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Shoosmiths gives copycats the boot

31 January 2008

A London-based retailer has agreed to remove more than 130 pairs of boots from sale and donate them to Oxfam after designer Georgina Goodman claimed it had copied one of her styles.

This is the latest in a series of copycat case wins for national law firm, Shoosmiths

Risk Free Retail Limited - also known as Risky - has paid Goodman damages and costs totalling almost £3,000 as a result of Goodman’s action.

Goodman, who legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik describes as ‘the future’, said:  “We are delighted that our brand has once again been protected.  A great deal of time, financial investment and love goes into creating our exclusive, unique shoes, and we simply cannot and will not tolerate copies infiltrating the market.

“Our brand and our seasonal collections are our most important asset; we will always protect them to the fullest extent of the law.”

In cases such as this, the copied items would normally be destroyed, but Goodman has decided to donate the boots to Oxfam so that people in the Ukraine can benefit.

Oxfam spokesman David Waugh said: “Oxfam relies on donations to generate income for the charity, which in turn enables Oxfam’s fight against hunger, poverty and crisis to continue.

“Clothing, shoes and textiles donated to Oxfam help people in Third World countries, who have little or no access to such items, to restore some dignity and respect in their lives. My thanks go to Georgina Goodman for her support, it is very much appreciated.”

Rachael Parman, Shoosmiths solicitor acting for Goodman, said:  “This is a fantastic result for Georgina Goodman.  Protecting a brand is essential to any designer if they are to flourish in such a competitive sector, and this is an excellent example of how legislation can be used to do this.  If designers don’t protect their brand and distinctive designs, then the same problem will keep occurring; the value in the brand can be rapidly diminished.”

Georgina Goodman opened her first Mayfair store in 2002.  Admirers of her designs include Hollywood stars Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton and Thandie Newton.

For further information please contact:
Name: Sophie Llewhelin
Phone: 08700 864127
Email: sophie.llewhelin@shoosmiths.co.uk