Zara, a subsidiary of the world’s largest retailer Inditex, has filed a complaint against the Los Angeles-based fashion label Thilikó, LLC, accusing it of copyright infringement, misleading advertising, and deceptive business practices under New York state law. Zara claims that the brand lies about the roots and origin of its clothing and accessories.
On January 4, the group issued a lawsuit in federal court in New York, alleging Thilikó of passing off its products as its own. Thilikó is accused of purchasing Zara products, removing the labels, replacing them with their own, and selling them for considerably higher prices.
The branding and labels give the impression that the products are designed and manufactured by Thilikó before being sold via its own e-commerce website and other retailers.
Thilikó is also alleged of misappropriating copyrighted photos published on Zara’s website, in violation of the website’s policy prohibiting the use and modification of materials without approval.
Zara has previously been accused of stealing products from high-end and luxury products. Nonetheless, Thilikó positions itself as a socially conscious and dedicated brand that provides efforts to address, which Zara calls untrue.
Zara is now seeking financial damages as well as legal remedies to prevent Thilikó from stealing brands and photographs. The defense attorneys’ conduct, based on the group, is ongoing and “undoubtedly” includes additional copyright violations that have not yet been revealed.
Notwithstanding, it is also possible that the brand obtains the goods from third-party manufacturers who copy Zara items without informing the brand.
