FASHION LAW INSTITUTE Pop UP CLINICS

Many emerging and independent designers lack access to basic legal advice tailored to the fashion industry. The Fashion Law Institute’s mission is to provide legal assistance to designers and fashion industry professionals, not only in the form of educational programming but also by offering free legal consultations. Their Fashion Law Pop-Up Clinics match individual designers with a volunteer attorney who has fashion experience and expertise related to the question at hand, along with an advanced student studying fashion law for extra assistance. The Fashion Law Pop-Up Clinics take place once a month. Space is limited and reservations are required.

A tip from Professor and Founder of the Fashion Law Institute Susan Scafidi:

“Don’t put your name on the label! Emerging designers are often tempted to name their lines after themselves – it’s a fashion tradition, a marketing strategy, and a reflection of artists’ pride in their work. Once you turn your name into a trademark, however, it becomes your company’s primary asset. Any savvy investor interested in backing you will also want that trademark to be part of the deal. When eventually you and your financial backer split, you will likely lose the rights to your name – and see it on the work of strangers.”