Claim No: IP-2022-000099 - [2025] EWHC 805 (IPEC)

There was also a multicoloured version of the leggings alleged to infringe – 5(v). Mr Binns explained in his evidence that this was part of a collection which was created with the supermodel, Winnie Harlow. The trend board which inspired the collection was created in-house by Christopher Parnell who is employed as Head of Design by the Sixth Defendant, PLT. The images on the trend board include inspiration from the catwalk and garments previously worn by Ms Harlow:

The trend board inspired the CAD which was also created by Mr Parnell:

These garments were then ordered to be produced by a supplier for the Sixth Defendant.

There is no basis to suggest that the Claimant’s Design 5 provided any inspiration to Mr Parnell. The trend board made no reference to the Claimant’s work and I reject any claim that there has been copying in this instance.

Moreover, the documentation provided for this exercise illustrates the other major problem with the Claimant’s case, namely the fact that in this field it is perfectly possible to come up with similar designs without there having been any copying.