A Dedicated Fashion & Retail Practice
ArentFox Schiff has the largest fashion and retail legal group of any major US firm. Our team advises fashion and design houses, apparel manufacturers and retailers, and luxury goods companies. Our fashion attorneys act as outside general counsel and regulatory and retail counsel for a number of well-known designer brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Fila, Marni, YSL, Balenciaga, Benetton, Escada, and Victoria’s Secret.
Our fashion lawyers provide counsel on all aspects of the fashion business and at every phase of a product’s lifecycle, beginning with the creation of a design and continuing through to the implementation of individually tailored strategies that further the goals of our clients and help them protect, grow, and utilize their specialty brands.
The fashion and retail industry continues to evolve under the influence of globalized production, digital commerce, and shifting consumer expectations. Companies operating in this environment face a complex mix of regulatory requirements, intellectual property considerations, and operational risks.
Legal guidance must account for both the pace of the market and the layered compliance obligations that arise across jurisdictions, distribution channels, and brand strategies.
Working with fashion and retail companies requires an understanding of how legal and business considerations intersect in real time. At each stage of a product’s lifecycle—from design through manufacturing, distribution, and post-sale activity—legal issues are closely tied to brand strategy, operational execution, and market positioning.
In practice, companies in this sector regularly navigate issues related to intellectual property protection, global sourcing, licensing structures, and the risks associated with online and international sales. Legal considerations often extend into adjacent areas, including employment, real estate, and corporate structuring, particularly as brands scale or adapt to new market conditions.
What Do We Do?
- Advise on the protection, enforcement, and commercialization of trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property assets associated with fashion and retail brands
- Counsel on licensing arrangements, brand collaborations, and distribution strategies, including issues involving gray market goods and anti-counterfeiting efforts
- Provide guidance on labeling, advertising, and marketing practices, including compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks
- Support retail and e-commerce operations, including online distribution models and cross-border sales considerations
- Represent clients in commercial and employment disputes, including the defense of class actions where applicable
- Advise on business formation, joint ventures, franchise structures, and merger and acquisition activity
- Provide counsel on executive compensation, employee benefits, and compliance with employment and labor laws
- Assist with real estate matters, including retail leasing and location strategy considerations
- Advise on import/export compliance and customs-related requirements affecting global supply chains
Who Do We Help?
- Fashion and design houses
- Apparel manufacturers
- Retailers and e-commerce platforms
- Luxury goods companies
- Brand owners and licensors
- Industry associations and institutions
How Can We Help?
Legal support may become necessary as companies in the fashion and retail sector:
- Expand into new markets or distribution channels, including international or online platforms
- Develop or restructure licensing, franchise, or joint venture arrangements
- Address intellectual property risks such as infringement, counterfeiting, or gray market activity
- Navigate regulatory requirements related to labeling, advertising, or product compliance
- Respond to commercial or employment disputes, including class action exposure
- Evaluate transactions, including acquisitions or strategic partnerships
ArentFox Schiff has represented fashion and retail companies across a wide range of legal and commercial matters. The firm’s work reflects ongoing collaboration with brands at different stages of growth, including established luxury houses and global retailers.
Representative clients include:
- Diane von Furstenberg
- Jimmy Choo
- Christian Louboutin
- Lacoste
- Hugo Boss
- Diesel
- Fila
- Marni
- YSL
- Balenciaga
- Benetton
- Escada
- Victoria’s Secret
- Geox
- Peek & Cloppenburg
- Camper
- LVMH
- BCBG
- Max Mara
- Maison Margiela
- Viktor & Rolf
- Dsquared2
- JOSEPH
- The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
- Personal Care Products Council
