AAFA campaigns against “lose-lose” piracy bill
18/06/2009
"When consumers are faced with tough economic choices, clothes and shoes are often the first thing they stop buying,” said AAFA board of directors chair Carol Hochman, CEO of Triumph Apparel Marketing. “This legislation does nothing to help the consumers and apparel and footwear producers who are hurting in this financial downturn. In reality, this bill would raise the cost of apparel and footwear, reduce consumer choice, and prevent stylish goods from getting to store shelves. This week's letter is important because it shows our nation’s decision makers that this bill is lose-lose for everyone."
"If this bill provided any meaningful intellectual property protections for the fashion industry as supporters claim, why are so many industry mainstays against it?" asked Peter Gabbe, COO of Carole Hochman Design Group and former AAFA Board of Directors Chairman. "Our industry fully supports strong intellectual property protections, but this bill fails to provide any. The only protections it provides are for the established and well-recognised designers who have the legal resources to stave off any competition while holding a monopoly on inspiration."
AAFA believes the legislation will “outlaw the inspiration and creativity that has allowed fashion to flourish successfully in America”.
"The US apparel and footwear industry has spoken loud and clear," said AAFA president and CEO, Kevin Burke. "This short-sided bill does nothing to move the fashion industry forward. It only keeps it bound by broad legal ambiguity while not providing a single protection for fashion. We will continue to vigorously fight against this bill on behalf of the US apparel and footwear industry and educate Congress about the far reaching and negative impact this bill holds in store for the entire fashion industry."
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