Royals may sue if designers use Kate name

Jan 12, 2011 |

IANS

London

British fashion houses are reportedly poring over every cut, hem and button of the clothes of royal bride Kate Middleton, knowing shoppers are desperate to recreate her elegant style. But they may be sued by the royal family if her name is used for selling merchandise. When it comes to fashion, everything Kate Middleton wears benefits a huge boost in sales and copycat designs.

But using the “Kate Middleton brand” to sell replica dresses could now lead to retailers being sued for thousands of pounds, royal aides and industry experts have warned. Kate will wed Prince William April 29.
Though there are no written rules, officials said firms would be warned that they risk falling into trademark and copyright law if they use her full name on merchandise, according to the Daily Mail.
But if designers want to cash in by copying her outfits and adding an explicit “Kate Middleton” label, they could face the royal wrath. “Her name is now controlled by the royal family. She has a reputation to uphold and because of that she is, to all intents and purposes, akin to a brand,” an official said. —IANS

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