ABSTRACT
For many years, intellectual property rights have been a matter of serious concern to the EU economy with regard to the textile, clothing, leather and footwear industry. In 2011, fashion goods accounted for the largest proportion of intellectual property rights infringing goods, making up a total of over 60% of cases registered by customs. It was noted already at the EU level that European entrepreneurs, especially small to medium-sized enterprises, lack the essential knowledge, information and financial means to adequately protect their rights or to act in the event of an infringement. Therefore, this chapter provides an understanding of the fashion industry from the inside. The author has also surveyed fashion designers in order to better understand their approach to inspiration, originality and copyright law.
