Black White Denim boss sees red over ‘identity theft’
AN independent North West fashion retailer is set to launch an international legal battle against a South African firm, which it claims has ‘stolen’ its identity.
Jo Davies, founder and managing director of Wilmslow-based Black White Denim says she is “outraged” at the actions of South African distributor, The Scottish Knitwear Group.
She is being advised on the dispute by Harrison IP and Manchester law firm Heatons.
The row hinges on The Scottish Knitwear Group’s plans to open a n outlet called Black White Denim in Johannesburg.
As well as taking the same name and concept, the North West firm claims material sent to potential partners uses key phrases it already employs.
These include describing black and white as the ‘foundation colours’ and ‘building blocks’ of a woman’s wardrobe.
Jo Davies, commented: “I was outraged when I found out they were stealing our name.
“We’re a small independent who has carved a livelihood by establishing a clear niche through a well thought-out, hard-won concept in which we have invested all we have. Now our whole business is under threat from a mass distributor cynically attempting to piggy-back on our concept.”
Black White Denim has written to Scottish Knitwear Group, requesting that they change the store’s name.
However, the South African company insists they are going ahead with their plans as they were “initiated with absolutely no ill intent”.
