AAFA Rallies Against the Proposed Design Piracy Prohibition Act

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The American Apparel and Footwear Association has voiced concern over the proposed Design Piracy Prohibition act in a letter to members of the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees. AAFA cites that the recession has already hurt this industry. If the House and Senate pass this piece of legislation, it may threaten to make things worse:

"When consumers are faced with tough economic choices, clothes and shoes are often the first thing they stop buying,” said AAFA Board of Directors Chair Carol J. Hochman, CEO of Triumph Apparel Marketing. “This legislation does nothing to help the consumers and apparel and footwear producers who are hurting in this financial downturn. In reality, this bill would raise the cost of apparel and footwear, reduce consumer choice, and prevent stylish goods from getting to store shelves. This week's letter is important because it shows our nation’s decision makers that this bill is lose-lose for everyone."

AAFA tries to make it clear that while they do not support this proposed piece of legislation, that they do support the intellectual property rights of designers:

"If this bill provided any meaningful intellectual property protections for the fashion industry as supporters claim, why are so many industry mainstays against it?" asked Peter J. Gabbe, COO of Carole Hochman Design Group and former AAFA Board of Directors Chairman. "Our industry fully supports strong intellectual property protections, but this bill fails to provide any. The only protections it provides are for the established and well-recognized designers who have the legal resources to stave off any competition while holding a monopoly on inspiration."

I don't think I necessarily agree with AAFA's claim that most people in the fashion industry are against this proposed piece of legislation. When you have an organization with members such as Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors (who was caught in a knockoff lawsuit), it is easy to understand why AAFA is against it. If your constituents are profiting off of knockoffs of other designers, why in the world would you want to pass legislation that would prevent you from making money?