Defining Boundaries: Untangling The Puzzle Of Market Definition In The Fashion World
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Tanya Narang, B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
Vrinda Yadav, B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
ABSTRACT
Increased antitrust scrutiny has become the fashion industry’s latest trend, as regulators focus on the sector’s competitive practices. Brands are fiercely competing for consumer loyalty, making the need for a fair and transparent marketplace more critical than ever. Competition law plays a key role in fostering innovation while protecting consumer interests in this rapidly evolving industry.
The intersection of antitrust and fashion law has placed the concept of the "relevant market" under scrutiny. This paper examines the complexities of market definition in fashion law, with particular emphasis on the recent case of FTC v. Tapestry, Inc., which centers on the market for accessible luxury.
Accessible luxury occupies a unique position between high-end luxury and mass-market products. This distinctive positioning challenges traditional antitrust frameworks, which typically rely on product substitutability, geographic scope, and consumer behavior to define market boundaries.
The paper critiques current methodologies for market definition, highlighting their failure to account for intangible factors such as brand perception, emotional appeal, and cultural significance. Through an analysis of recent legal precedents, it identifies shortcomings in judicial interpretations and advocates for a more sophisticated framework that captures the intricate dynamics of the luxury fashion industry.
Keywords: Antitrust, Fashion Law, Relevant Market, Accessible Luxury, Fashion Industry
