Fashion News Alert: The H&M and Inditex Accord, The Gucci Battle, and Beyoncé’s Cover-up

Original branding and trademarks rule. Well, that what Gucci contends. Over a year ago, following a three-year court battle, a New York court awarded Gucci $4.7million dollars—Gucci originally asked for $221 million—over Guess’ diamond-patterned G logo that bore a striking resemblance to Gucci’s iconic pattern.

The drama continues. Guess countersued Gucci in 2009 to have three of Gucci registered trademarks nullified in Milan. Guess won its countersuit.

According to WWD, this past Friday, an Italian court ruled that Gucci’s diamond pattern, G logo and “Flora” pattern trademarks had been cancelled, and that Guess’ Quattro G-diamond pattern was not derived from Gucci’s double-G. This canceling of Gucci’s trademark logos and pattern means that anyone can use these signature patterns.

Paul Marciano, CEO of Gucci commented on the recent developments. “Because of their endless resources, Gucci has been forum shopping all over the world to try and stop Guess from expanding its successful accessories business. It’s fundamentally wrong and unconscionable.”

Gucci plans to file an appeal.

Beyoncé too sexy?

OK, everyone agrees that Beyoncé is a very sexy woman. But, apparently she might be too sexy for some folks on Manhattan’s Lower Eastside (LES). It appears that Beyoncé’s sexy H&M ad has been censored at a Lower Eastside bus stop. Inside sources contend that the ad may have been censored by a member of the LES’s conservative Jewish community. But not all community residents agree. It seems that every time someone covers up the bus stop ad at Colombia and Grand, very soon after, someone uncovers it.

Controversy over their sexy ads is old news to H&M. H&M had to digitally cover up supermodel Gisele Bundchen’s arms when a 2011 H&M ad ran in Dubai.

H&M and Indietex’s new factory safety standards

Retail giants H&M and Indietex have backed a factory safety accord aimed at preventing deaths seen at the April 25 factory fire in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,100 workers. “We hope for a broad coalition of signatures in order for the agreement to work effectively on ground,” H&M head of sustainability Helena Helmersson said in a statement.

Since the April 24 fire, the International Labor Organization, trade unions, and other lobby groups have been pushing for an agreement on fire and building safety standards. IndustriALL Global Union, one of the major forces driving the negotiations, is hoping that other brands will come on board by the May 15 deadline.

The new fires and building safety accord will include a coordinated system of inspections, training and financial commitments from retailers, as well as giving workers the power to refuse dangerous work.

The final draft will be published on May 15.

—Staff