As recently reported on Sheppard Mullin’s “Fashion Apparel Blog,” two weeks ago, the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Act (“IDPPA”) (S. 3728), which was introduced by Senator Charles Schumer (NY) on August 6, 2010.
If, before the recess, consideration of this bill by the full Senate leads to the passing of the IDPPA, the fashion industry will have cause to really celebrate for New Year’s parties. The amendments to the Copyright Act which are included in the bill would introduce a “substantially identical” standard to protect, at least for a three-year term, original and innovative fashion and accessory designs.