Created by Olivera Medenica, a U.S. attorney widely recognized for her expertise in fashion law and intellectual property, the Fashion Law and Innovation Conference has become a leading annual event for practitioners and industry stakeholders. Since 2017, the French-American Bar Association (FABA) has co-sponsored the conference, contributing to its development within the Franco-American legal community. As of 2018, the Federal Bar Association (FBA) also joined as a sponsor, further strengthening the institutional and transatlantic dimension of the event. Since 2017, the French-American Bar Association (FABA) has co-sponsored the conference, contributing to its development within the Franco-American legal community. As of 2018, the Federal Bar Association (FBA) also joined as a sponsor, further strengthening the institutional and transatlantic dimension of the event.
The October 24, 2018 edition was held at La Sorbonne in Paris, in partnership with the Federal Bar Association, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP, Cabinet Bondard and La Sorbonne. Co-organized in particular by Olivera Medenica, then a Partner at Dunnington, and Céline Bondard, President of FABA in France, the conference brought together attorneys, in-house counsel, academics and entrepreneurs to address the legal and technological developments impacting the fashion industry.
Held in English and accredited for three hours of continuing legal education (CLE) for French and U.S. attorneys, the conference-debate was structured around three complementary panels, offering a cross-disciplinary approach combining law, innovation and practical experience.
The first panel, “Wearable Technology, Fashion Tech, and Smart Fabrics,” examined recent developments in wearable technology, smart textiles and collaborations between brands and technology companies. Speakers – including specialized attorneys, senior corporate counsel and the CEO of a fashion tech startup – analyzed key contractual provisions governing brand–technology partnerships, the allocation of intellectual property rights, and the challenges involved in launching innovative products in both the U.S. and EU markets.
The second panel, “Fashion and Labor Considerations – A Comparative Perspective,” provided a comparative analysis of labor and employment issues in France, the European Union and the United States. Discussions focused on the legal status of models, employer obligations and compliance requirements, as well as litigation-related considerations for foreign companies operating in the United States. The panel highlighted structural differences between legal systems and the importance of proactive risk management.
The third panel addressed modern challenges relating to trademarks, branding and the protection of intangible assets in the fashion sector. Topics included online infringement, unauthorized distribution, unfair competition and counterfeit products. Panelists also discussed issues arising from unauthorized uses of brands on social media and by enthusiastic fans, as well as branding strategies in a global digital environment.
Beyond the substance of the program, the 2018 edition reaffirmed the transatlantic vocation of the Fashion Law Conference By co-sponsoring the event alongside the FBA and other institutional partners, FABA contributed to strengthening a privileged forum for dialogue between French and U.S. practitioners active in fashion, luxury and creative industries. The conference concluded with a networking cocktail, fostering informal exchanges and long-term professional connections.