The popular fashion company ZARA is in hot water after customers noticed their new designs looked an awful lot like those of South African fashion brand Maxhosa by Laduma.
The renowned brand Maxhosa is owned by designer Laduma Ngxokolo. According to Okay Africa, Maxhosa was alerted of the possible knockoff when people took to Twitter and Instagram to discuss the similarities.
MY CONCLUSION ON THIS WHOLE MAXHOSA VS ZARA ISSUE.
I'LL LEAVE THIS HERE pic.twitter.com/FvnjmXp9rb
— Dandelion (@nickpagemat) April 24, 2018
Aren’t these patterns cultural tho or did Maxhosa patent them for his production line? Not tryna be sarcastic but if he didn’t patent them then he has no case and Zara knows it. Difficult to win https://t.co/v5O4Ez2buS
— Flopo Ya Mampela II ???????????????????????? (@OwaFlopo) April 24, 2018
I’m so shook! ????????????
Zara straight up jacked MaXhosa’s signature patterns…. like… COPY AND PASTE!! Bathong – WHO DOES THAT????
Shameless!! pic.twitter.com/ul2yTM68es
— marang setshwaelo (@marangdream) April 23, 2018
The brand has since taken to its official website to address the issue in a press release, revealing that they plan to take legal action.
"Earlier this month (April 2018), we were alerted by our patrons, that ZARA ( INDUSTRIA DE DISEÑO TEXTILE, S.A. (INDITEX S.A. Pty Ltd) company has copied one of our signature patterns. These patterns were appropriated & reproduced in as part of their sock range which they shared as new in their best-sellers on their online store," the press release read, according to Okay Africa.
"We consulted with Shane Moore and Muhammad Patel from Moore Attorneys, one of Africa's leading IP law firms who are handling the matter on our behalf. They have since sent a letter to the parent company alerting them of the copyright infringement and our demands. We have taken such steps so as to avoid our works being appropriated and adapted without our consent or permission. Copyright infringement is a matter that we take seriously and fully aware of our intellectual property rights. We would like to thank the clients who have silently sent us proof of such infringements as they allowed us means to act. The debate as to whether we shall win the case or not remains, we stand by our decision to fight such a case. Thus, we have sent our letter of demand and we await their reply."
According to Business Insider South Africa, Laduma Ngxokolo started the clothing line as part of his senior year project at the Nelson Mandela University. The knitwear collection reflects his isiXhosa heritage. His knitware has received global recognition from celebrities including Beyoncé and Swizz Beats.
At the time of publication, ZARA has yet to respond. Based on the similarities between the designs, it's unlikely that it can just be swept under the rug.
