Chanel and Saint Laurent, two renowned French luxury brands, have recently announced their partnership in the ongoing battle against counterfeiting and plagiarism. In a joint statement, the two fashion powerhouses emphasize the significance of safeguarding intellectual property within the luxury industry and addressing the harmful effects caused by counterfeit goods.
Saint Laurent shared a manifesto on their Instagram story, emphasizing the importance of French fashion and couture houses as integral elements of France’s cultural heritage. Their exceptional creativity, expertise, and ability to inspire millions across the globe contribute significantly to the global influence of the French luxury industry. Hence, it becomes imperative to protect genuine creativity and innovation from exploitative businesses that thrive on plagiarism and counterfeiting.
Chanel, when approached by WWD, clarified that their message was not targeted at any particular company and did not imply any legal actions. While the specific nature of this commitment was not elaborated upon, Chanel asserted that both houses were “aligned” and pledged to support one another in defending creativity against parasitic commercial practices.
Counterfeiting and plagiarism not only infringe upon the intellectual property of brands, but they also have significant adverse effects on their creative influence and overall business. The Global Brand Counterfeiting Report 2018 reveals that luxury brands experienced losses of approximately $30.3 billion in 2017 due to counterfeit sales on the internet. With the COVID-19 crisis hastening the shift towards digital consumption patterns, it is likely that this figure has increased. Moreover, the sale of physical counterfeit products remains a global concern.
The collaboration between Chanel and Saint Laurent symbolizes a unified front against the long-standing issue of counterfeiting and plagiarism in the luxury industry. By joining forces, these iconic French houses aim to protect their intellectual property rights and preserve their positions as bastions of creativity and craftsmanship.
Useful links:
1. Chanel Official Website
2. Saint Laurent Official Website
