So swimwear politics is a thing now? Sure it is! Last week White Sands Swimwear subtly accused fellow swimwear purveyors Seafolly of copying their designs. The accusations surfaced on the Facebook page of White Sands’ Director Leah Madden and in a mass email circulated to local media outlets. The email contained juxtaposed images of both label’s designs prefaced with the line “Is it just us, or has Seafolly taken a little to (sic) much ‘inspiration’ from White Sands?“.
The accusation garnered a fair bit of debate on Pedestrian with commenters both for and against Madden’s claims.
The most pertinent (or clairvoyant) comment however, came from “Bored” who said this: “I think I can hear Seafolly defamation lawyers coming over the hill…Good luck.“. Well today Anthony Halas, CEO of Seafolly Australia, confirmed legal action White Sands Swimwear after issuing proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against White Sands Director, Leah Madden.
Says a Seafolly press release issued today: On 6 September 2010, Seafolly issued proceedings against Ms Madden in the Federal Court of Australia claiming that she has infringed Seafoly’s copyright rights, committed breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1989 (Qld) and committed the tort of injurious falsehood. Seafolly made an application seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining Ms Madden’s conduct as complained of by Seafolly. Ms Madden has now provided undertakings to the Court on a without admissions basis agreeing to cease the conduct complained of by Seafolly until trial or further order. The proceeding has now been listed for mediation.
If you’re confused that’s just legal jargon for “gird your loins”. We’ll keep you posted as more details come to light.
