Fashion Giant Zara Drags UK-Based House Of Zana Boutique To The Court Over Branding Issues
In a world today, copyright infringement and plagiarism can take you straight to the court. And these recent years have been a witness to such bizarre courtroom dramas, where a giant label drags a small business in an attempt to safeguard its stakes in the business. An accurate example of this is the new Zara V/s Darlington’s House Of Zana.
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In a recent turn of events, Spanish fashion giant–Zara has taken legal actions against a small boutique in England’s Darlington–House Of Zana (Albanian word which means fairy). Run by Amber Kotrri, the brand that was launched in the year 2019 deals in sustainable clothing. As per the recent reports, Zara has filed a case against the small business, after owner Amber Kotrri refused to change her branding, post an official written request made by the brand. Followed by which, Amber appeared at a trademark tribunal hearing to defend her application and support her decision of choosing the brand name and how it in no way aims to draw similarities with the fast-fashion giant–Zara.
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Opposing Mrs Kotrri’s application, Zara explains the brand name will confuse or lead to misinterpretation amongst buyers, and the “average consumer would make a link between the two of them when confronted with House of Zana.” Defending its rights to preserve its exclusivity, Zara argued that the visual similarities between Zara and House Of Zana will harm the global chain’s years-long built reputation and lead the buyers to think the boutique is a part of Zara.
Talking about the products that the Darlington-based boutique deals in, Zara also pointed out at the ‘potential low-quality of its designs’ being threat to the global chain’s reputation in quality and style. With respect to her appeal of not changing the name, Amber Kotrri chalked out the clear differences between the two labels, and said, “There are also many points of dissimilarity in that House of Zana is made up of three words stylised in italics and within a black circle.” Moreover, the boutique owner explained the dissimilarities in the principles that the two labels run on.
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Being a new visitor to the Instagram handle of House Of Zana, one can clearly see Amber’s love for eclectic prints and a liking for kimonos and jumpsuits. With respect to the ongoing court hearings, the small business owner has also put up a flash sale to keep a check on funds, in case the court announces a decision in favour of Zara. A mom to three kids, Amber has been stressing throughout sleepless nights in hope of winning against the international fast-fashion chain. While some would call out the similarities in the design language, some others would agree with Amber on the differences in ethics as followed by the two brands. As a part of a concept store, that aims to deliver conscious and unique clothing options, House of Zana’s Amber fears that the shutting down would also affect a number of other small businesses that own a small section in her store.
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While the battle still continues, the internet has showered the small business with immense love and hope for fighting the odds. With even a petition demanding ZARA to withdraw the case against House Of Zana, the support shown by 8,000 signatures reveals the impact of a small business on its customers. The court is likely to announce its decision in the upcoming month.
