Who knew that those crappy souvenir shops on Canal Street actually copyright their cheezy Photoshop designs?
Now, one of those companies are suing a similar looking Balenciaga bag, their “Multicoloured New York Bazar Shopper” tote, which was released earlier this year for roughly $2,000.
The company suing is City Merchandise Inc., saying the “concept and feel” of the design is “indistinguishable.” Since Balenciaga has riffed on designs that have ranged from IKEA to Ruff Ryder, that’s cited in a statement. “Based upon its dubious reputation in the fashion industry for appropriating the work of others, as well as public statements attributed to Mr. Gvasalia, it should not be surprising that Defendant has copied Plaintiffs Design in connection with the infringing Products and is passing it off as its own,” it reads.
Let’s see what happens next.
Photos via Balenciaga
