Intellectual Property Rights And Sustainability: Examining The Impact On The Fashion Sector With A Focus On Green Fashion

Ananya Kudesia, BBA L.LB, Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak

ABSTRACT

Fashion is a form of art. The Oxford Dictionary defines art as the expression or application of human creative talent and imagination. As a result, this skill, which produces distinct and one-of-a-kind works, must be safeguarded by Intellectual Property Rights. The Intellectual Property Rights Regime in India grants protection to the fashion design through four legislations that is The Designs Act, 2000, The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, The Trademarks Act, 1999 and Geographical Indications Act, 1999. From the standpoint of the fashion industry, the Acts do not protect the complete garment as a whole; rather, it protects specific and individual parts of the garment such as shape, pattern, colour, and so on. Further, sustainable fashion is a modern fashion industry concept that tries to prevent textile waste and environmental depletion. There is still space for the sustainable fashion movement to expand beyond its current reach, as more socially and environmentally responsible production and marketing strategies emerge. Consumers will be better equipped than ever before to make more ethical purchase decisions and perhaps change the face of the existing fashion business, thanks to rising information networks and brand openness.

Keywords: Fashion Industry, Design, Artistic Work, Intellectual Property Rights, Green Fashion.