Ateneo Intellectual Property Office holds an informative session on intellectual property in fashion

On 17 August, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), in collaboration with the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, conducted a talk on Intellectual Property (IP) in Fashion titled “Unraveling the Thread of Intellectual Property in Fashion Business” at the Escaler Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, bringing together a diverse audience from students, faculty, and staff to fashion enthusiasts with approximately 120 participants from within and beyond the Ateneo community.

The talk unravels the multifaceted aspects of intellectual property in the context of fashion. One of the highlights of the event is the international perspective presented by the speaker, Dr Hab Marlena Jankowska-Augustyn, wherein a glimpse into the real-world scenarios that fashion businesses encounter was discussed. It was emphasized that fashion is a creative communication medium to depict human culture, which essentially means that fashion serves as a form of expression and communication through which individuals convey aspects of their culture, identity, and values. 

The presentation also made it clear that intellectual property protects innovations in the fashion sector. Fashion designers protect their works from imitation through patents, copyrights, and trademarks, ensuring that their originality is acknowledged and recognized. The talk emphasized how IP protection not only stimulates innovation and creativity but also builds customer trust, enhancing brand loyalty and market presence. 

Fashion continues to have a powerful ability to inspire, connect, and impact people regardless of geographic borders. The presentation emphasized the need for a sophisticated approach to intellectual property (IP), where legal safeguards must be negotiated while maintaining the cross-cultural interchange that constitutes the fashion sector.

In a nutshell, intellectual property safeguards innovation and creativity within the fashion industry, ensuring that designers and brands are rewarded for their contributions. As fashion continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, the intersection of fashion and IP will remain a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.

If you are interested in joining the upcoming IP awareness events and workshops, you may email us at aipo@ateneo.edu. To learn more about our office, you may visit our website at https://aipo.ateneo.edu. You may also check our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the latest updates and announcements.