TFG Exclusive: Judging Fashion

Today, TFG is launching its new series "Judging Fashion" where we have all our readers play the role of a fashion lawyer and answer a poll question. Just compare the two selected items of fashion and decide if you think they are copies or trends. Fashion lawyers consider a copy to be substantially identical, or a line-by-line copy of the original fashion work. In contrast, a trend has general similarities, but with significant enough variations to avoid infringement issues. And don't worry, you don't have to be a fashion lawyer to take this easy poll. Just compare the items and vote. TFG wants to hear what our readers think!

We begin this series with Cartier's latest "It" bracelet. The jeweler re-launched the Aldo Cipullo's iconic nail bracelet from the 1970s. CC Skye had launched a similar design in 2009. While Cartier's nail bracelet was relaunched after the CC Skye nail bangle, the Cartier nail bracelet was clearly an iconic piece from decades earlier. Since jewelry receives copyright protection in the United States, this could pose a potential infringement issue. What do you think? 

      Cartier (right) vs. CC Skye (left)