What Is Fashion Law? Understanding the Legal Side of the Fashion Industry

Fashion law is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary legal area that includes intellectual property, labor, trade, and consumer protection issues throughout the lifespan of an item of clothing. In the United States, the intellectual property system consists of partial coverage of design through copyrights, while trademarks, trade dress, and designs patents provide additional protection. In India, intellectual property protection is provided on the basis of three laws (Copyright Act, Designs Act, and Trade Marks Act) and also includes Geographical Indications that cover heritage textiles such as Banarasi silk and Pashmina; however, the enforcement is quite poor, which was evidenced in the 2025 controversy between Prada and Kolhapuri chappals. Besides, the country's fashion industry is currently under significant labor legislation changes (the new 2025 Labour Codes), while U.S. tariffs and online retail present additional challenges related to consumer protection against fakes and GIs abuse. Despite the lack of a specific fashion law in India, the scope of this area is gradually expanding.