| Looks like the war is on between some well known | | | | of America to get copyrights to their fashions. |
| businesses and the manufacturers of knock offs. | | | | For those who cannot afford the big expensive |
| Zippo Manufacturing Company plans to lay off about | | | | fashions, the knock offs have been a way for them |
| 15% of their work force and they blame part of the | | | | to get garments, which look like the latest fashions |
| cause on the knock offs of their lighters. In | | | | but at a very cheap price. The designers are also |
| Pittsburgh where Zippo Manufacturing is located, | | | | working with Congressman Bob Goodlatte to get |
| there will be a few more on unemployment soon. | | | | legislation started, which would give the designers |
| Zippo has filed a complaint with the United States | | | | protection rights on their designs just like other |
| International Trade Commission to stop the | | | | artists; musicians have on their works. If it works |
| manufacturing and sale of knock offs. Many of the | | | | out, the designers will be able to register their designs |
| knock offs are coming from China so Zippo has | | | | with the U.S. Copyright Office. The designs would |
| named four Chinese companies. | | | | then be protected for three years. It would be illegal |
| Because of the knock offs, Zippo has lost 30% of | | | | for anyone to manufacture anything similar to the |
| their business, which in turn has caused part of the | | | | designs. The CFDA is an organization of over 270 |
| reasons for the layoffs. Zippo says if their business | | | | designers and they are very upset with the |
| picks back up substantially, they can hire back some | | | | manufacturers of the knock offs. |
| of those they laid off. The layoffs were something | | | | This is just two of the many companies or products, |
| they regretted having to do, but they claim it was | | | | which are getting irate about the knock offs, found |
| the only option they had. | | | | in the streets, discount stores, or wherever they are |
| A few weeks ago was fashion week in New York | | | | being sold. There are watches, jewelry, purses, |
| and the designers are very upset by all of their | | | | shoes, and many more products. Many of the |
| designs being manufactured by clothing companies | | | | products use the same names and just spell them |
| around the world and sold at cheap rates to | | | | differently so the buyer may not notice. This problem |
| everyone wanting them. These knock offs are | | | | is not new by no means but the Popular |
| causing quite a stir within the designer world and they | | | | Manufacturers have decided it is enough and now is |
| have decided to fight back. Designers like Zac Posen | | | | the time to take action. Time will tell which ones will |
| and Diane von Fursternburg have teamed up | | | | win. |
| together along with the Council of Fashion Designers | | | | |