In the design field the protection of copyright is of prime concern. The Registered Designs Act 1949 is the law for registration of designs, incorporating some revisions since the Regulatory Reform (Registered Designs) Order came into force in 2006. Key provisions of the 1949 Act are briefly indicated in chapter 4.1.6.
Original drawings and other graphic works are protected as artistic works under the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988. In fashion the garment itself will also be protected if it qualifies as a work of artistic craftsmanship. If it doesn’t qualify this way, it will be protected (if an original work) under the Act by the design right, which lasts for 10 years (with up to a further five years to cover previous research and development). Textile designs are protected by copyright as artistic works in relation to the original drawing and as surface decoration on the finished work.
The use of children in fashion modelling is governed by the Children Performances and Activities (England) Regulations 2014 (in Wales regulations came a year later).
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