The Fashion Law Conference was created by Olivera Medenica, a U.S. attorney widely recognized for her expertise in fashion law and intellectual property and the founder of Medenica Law in New York. Over the years, this annual event has established itself as a key gathering for practitioners and industry professionals interested in the legal issues shaping the fashion sector from an international perspective.
On September 29, 2017, the Fashion Law and Innovation Conference was held in Paris at Lafayette Plug and Play. On this occasion, the French-American Bar Association (FABA) participated as a partner and co-sponsor of the event, alongside Medenica Law, Cabinet Bondard, Lafayette Plug and Play, Creative Valley and the Federal Bar Association. The 2017 edition marked the beginning of FABA’s involvement in supporting the conference, contributing to its visibility within the Franco-American legal community.
The 2017 conference focused on the theme “Fashion Law and Innovation” and was structured around three panels, preceded by introductory remarks delivered in particular by Olivera Medenica and Céline Bondard, President of FABA in France. Accredited for three hours of continuing legal education (CLE) for French and U.S. attorneys, the event brought together attorneys, in-house counsel, entrepreneurs, consultants and members of the fashion and innovation ecosystem.
The first panel, entitled “Fashion Innovation – Breaking Barriers,” explored the legal challenges arising from technological and digital innovation in the fashion industry. Alongside intellectual property attorneys, an innovation consultant and a technology entrepreneur provided practical insights into emerging industry practices. Discussions addressed new technological tools, the protection of intangible assets and the associated legal risks, analyzed from both French and U.S. perspectives.
The second panel, “Product Launch – Tackling Challenges from Startup to Famous Brands,” focused on the issues surrounding product launches, whether for emerging startups or established fashion houses. Speakers discussed counterfeiting, trademark and design protection, as well as distribution and regulatory compliance issues in France, the European Union and the United States. The participation of a fashion tech company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions to detect counterfeit products highlighted the growing intersection between technological innovation and legal strategy.
The third panel, “Modern Day Challenges in Fashion Shows,” examined the legal aspects of organizing fashion shows and cultural events. Topics included administrative authorizations, licensing, model contracts, publicity rights and coordination with public authorities. These discussions underscored the increasing complexity involved in producing high-profile fashion events with international reach.
Beyond the substance of the program, the 2017 edition reinforced the transatlantic dimension of the Fashion Law Conference. By partnering with this initiative, FABA contributed to fostering dialogue between French and U.S. practitioners on shared concerns such as the protection of creativity, risk management and the support of innovative businesses. The conference concluded with a cocktail reception, providing an opportunity for informal exchanges and the development of lasting professional relationships.