On October 13, 2026, the French American Bar Association (FABA) will proudly co-organize the 2026 Paris Fashion Law Conference alongside the Federal Bar Association (FBA), La Fondation des États-Unis, Academia Cerebra, and the New York Law Firm Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP. This annual event has become a must-attend gathering for legal professionals, fashion industry leaders, and intellectual property practitioners seeking to explore the legal issues shaping one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
At a time when fashion brands are navigating increasingly complex economic, regulatory, and technological environments, the conference will provide a unique forum for discussing the legal challenges and opportunities affecting the global fashion sector. Bringing together attorneys, in-house counsel, business leaders, academics, and industry professionals from both sides of the Atlantic, the event reflects FABA’s commitment to strengthening ties between the French and American legal communities.
An Exceptional Venue in the Heart of Paris
The conference will take place in the elegant Art Deco Grand Salon of La Fondation des États-Unis, located within the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris. For nearly a century, the Foundation has served as a landmark institution dedicated to fostering cultural and intellectual exchange between France and the United States. Through its rich programming of exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and artist residencies, it provides the ideal setting for an event centered on creativity, innovation, and international collaboration.
In addition to the high-quality educational programming, attendees will enjoy an environment designed to facilitate meaningful professional connections and networking opportunities within the international legal community.
Exploring the Key Issues Transforming the Fashion Industry
The 2026 conference agenda will feature three substantive panel discussions addressing some of the most important legal developments affecting fashion businesses worldwide.
Protecting Fashion Brand Prestige Across Global Markets
The first panel, “Guarding Prestige: Innovative Legal Tactics for Global Fashion Brand Protection“, will focus on cutting-edge strategies for protecting luxury and fashion brands in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.
Panelists will examine trademark enforcement, intellectual property protection, anti-counterfeiting initiatives, and innovative litigation approaches designed to safeguard valuable brand assets. Discussions will also address cross-border enforcement challenges and the growing role of technology in identifying, tracking, and responding to infringements.
Trade, Sustainability, and Transparency
The second panel, “Trade, Sustainability and Transparency: Navigating Responsible Fashion“, will explore the regulatory and commercial changes reshaping the global fashion industry.
As companies face heightened expectations regarding environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and supply chain transparency, legal compliance has become a central business concern. Speakers will discuss the impact of international trade rules, evolving environmental regulations, labor standards, and transparency requirements, while offering practical insights into balancing profitability with responsible business practices.
This session will be especially relevant for organizations seeking to adapt to rapidly changing compliance frameworks across major international markets.
Brands, Private Equity, and Public Markets
The final panel, “Brands, Private Equity, and IPOs: Maintaining Brand Integrity in a Changing Landscape“, will examine the unique legal and strategic considerations that arise when brands pursue investment, mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, or public offerings.
Experts will discuss the impact of investment strategies and corporate transactions on brand identity, reputation, and consumer trust. Topics will include governance, risk management, due diligence, and intellectual property protection, highlighting best practices for preserving brand value throughout periods of significant growth and transformation.
A Unique Forum for Transatlantic Dialogue
Beyond its substantive legal content, the Paris Fashion Law Conference serves as an important platform for dialogue between French and American professionals who often face similar business challenges within different legal systems.
For FABA, the conference exemplifies the value of international collaboration in an industry where brands, consumers, supply chains, and regulations increasingly transcend national borders. Intellectual property, sustainability, governance, and international trade issues require multidisciplinary perspectives and global approaches, making cross-border exchanges more important than ever.
Cocktail Reception and Networking Opportunities
Following the educational sessions, attendees will gather for a cocktail reception at La Fondation des États-Unis. This networking event will provide an opportunity to continue conversations in a relaxed setting while meeting various industry professionals.
FABA looks forward to welcoming participants in Paris on October 13, 2026, for another outstanding edition of the Paris Fashion Law Conference and extends its appreciation to the event’s partners for their continued commitment to fostering transatlantic legal dialogue.
Registration is now open, and we encourage members and guests alike to join us for an afternoon of thought leadership, professional exchange, and networking focused on the legal issues shaping the future of the global fashion industry.
Registration
Program
Registration
1:00pm to 1:30pm
Welcome Remarks
1:30pm to 1:45pm
Guarding Prestige: Innovative Legal Tactics for Global Fashion Brand Protection
1:45pm to 2:45pm
“Guarding Prestige: Innovative Legal Tactics for Global Fashion Brand Protection” brings together legal experts and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge strategies that safeguard the world’s top fashion brands.
Panelists will delve into trademark enforcement, intellectual property rights, and creative litigation tactics against counterfeiting and infringement. The discussion will highlight how brands maintain their prestige across international markets, navigating complex legal landscapes and adapting to evolving consumer trends.
Attendees will gain insights into effective cross-border protection, the use of technology to track and defend brand assets, and the practical challenges brands face in preserving their unique style and reputation.
Trade, Sustainability and Transparency: Navigating Responsible Fashion
3:00pm – 4:00pm
“Trade, Sustainability and Transparency: Navigating Responsible Fashion” is a thought-provoking legal panel designed for industry professionals and trend setters alike.
Panelists will examine how international trade laws and evolving environmental regulations shape the global fashion industry, influencing everything from sourcing to production and distribution.
The discussion will spotlight the importance of ethical practices, the challenges of maintaining transparency, and the legal mechanisms that keep brands accountable. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on balancing profitability with integrity, learning about labor laws, sustainability strategies, and the real-world dilemmas brands encounter as they adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.
Brands, Private Equity, and IPOs: Maintaining Brand Integrity in a Changing Landscape
4:15 pm- 5:15pm
“Brands, Private Equity, and IPOs: Maintaining Brand Integrity in a Changing Landscape” brings together legal experts and industry insiders to examine the unique challenges brands face when navigating investments and public offerings.
This panel will explore strategies for safeguarding brand identity during mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs, focusing on risk management, due diligence, and the legal frameworks essential for protecting intellectual property.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into how private equity deals and public listings impact brand reputation, and learn best practices for ensuring continuity, transparency, and consumer trust as brands evolve in today’s dynamic global market.
Cocktail Reception
5:15pm – 7:00 pm
