Know your rights – even in the fashion industry

Affendy Ali thinks fashion lawyers can help designers decide the best way to move forward with their labels. Photos: The Star/Raymond Ooi

It was a legal dispute that made headlines. When designer label Christian Louboutin sued rival Yves Saint Laurent in 2011 for using red soles on a pair of heels, many did not see why they should be fighting to claim a colour as their trademark.

Such a high profile case, however, has illustrated the need for lawyers to be well versed when it comes to fashion.