H.R. 5055, a bill to provide protection for fashion design
The Ranking Member would undoubtedly attest that our respective shares of Los Angeles, California are home to numerous stakeholders in the fashion design industry. As such, it is important that this Subcommittee consider legislation to address the issue of piracy as it relates to their primary means of income and thus, their livelihood.
My Congressional District is contiguous with the LA Fashion District – a 90-block section of downtown Los Angeles where the apparel industry comprises 80% of the Fashion District, and is responsible for over $7 billion in annual wholesale revenues that support the City treasury. Over 1.5 million people travel to Los Angeles from around the world to patronize the fashion apparel portion of the Fashion District. The LA Fashion District is truly a part of the new global economy. Legislation that would reduce design piracy is of extreme importance to the primary, secondary, and tertiary beneficiaries of the revenues generated from this industry. Allowing piracy to persist will cause this industry to diminish at a quick pace – given the ease with which designs can be copied, reproduced, and implemented using the internet and other digital communications technology. The LA Fashion District must be rewarded for the ingenuity of its designers, rather than made obsolete by the mercenary tactics of those who violate law designed to protect creativity and intellectual property.
From a legislative perspective, extending Title 17 protection to fashion designs marks a modernization of the United States Code. As the testimony presented by the United States Copyright Office states, design protection legislation for industrial products has passed the House since the 71st Congress – back in 1930.
A student of history knows that fashion design has undergone breakthrough changes over the past seven decades and continues to develop. If we want innovation to continue at its current pace, we must allow designers to protect their work. The three-year registration term for fashion designs – as compared to the ten-year period established for vessel hulls, is small and represents a reasonable concession.
I support the legislation that we now consider and urge my Colleagues to support H.R. 5005, lest we lose another industry to global competitors. I yield back the balance of my time.
To see video of the hearing click on the link.
https://www.house.gov/waters/media/7-27-06_HR_5055_Fashion_Design.wmv
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