The program comprises the following modules:

1. FASHION INDUSTRY: BUSINESS MODELS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Module I introduces the students to the fashion business sector and highlights the scale of its size and division into different segments of this industry, including jewellery and cosmetics. The focus is on the impact of this industry in the legal sector and the related development within the legal profession. The second part of Module I focuses on the legal architecture governing Fashion Law at domestic and European level. The lectures unveil how WTO provisions and EU law shape and regulate the fashion market, imposing fair competition, industrial protection, product compliance and environmental sustainability.

2. FROM THE CREATION OF A FASHION PRODUCT TO ITS PRODUCTION: EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION

Module II tackles rules governing intellectual property rights in the fashion sector, from copyright protection to norms safeguarding design, patent rights and know-how. It also provides a complete understanding of the legal instruments for the defence of fashion brands from infringements of trademark to protection of their intellectual property rights. The second part of this module addresses all the legal implications surrounding the creation of a fashion product, analysing norms on product compliance, supply agreements and “Made In” regulations to protect craftsmanship and authenticity.

3. FROM THE FASHION SHOW TO THE MARKETING OF A FASHION PRODUCT

Module III provides an all-encompassing overview of the legal aspects of marketing and distribution models for fashion and design goods, with a specific focus on wholesale, retail, franchising, shop-in-shop, department store, concession and distribution agreements within the “bricks-and-mortar” retail model. In addition, lease agreements, store planning agreements, visual merchandising and licensing will be analysed with a hands-on approach thanks to the contribution of prestigious in-house and specialist lawyers. In addition, Module III analyses the legal issues related to the organisation of a fashion show, the labour law framework applicable and codes of conduct as well as typical contracts such as those with models and fashion agencies.  Students will be required to work on case studies and practical examples.

4.  NEW DISTRIBUTION CHALLENGES: DIGITAL MARKET AND OMNI-CHANNEL MARKET

Module IV deals with all complex legal issues linked with e-commerce, the digital market and its risks such as mirror sites or parallel online markets, in the framework of the EU Digital Market. In addition, students will analyse “omni-channel market” instruments, which encourage synergies between sales and advertising channels to develop specific product offers to end users.  Such retail integration and potentially increased online customer profiling demand robust knowledge of privacy and consumer protection laws.

5. ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATION

Module V is dedicated to the complex and rapidly evolving world of communication and it will guide students through the legal challenges posed by the current regulatory framework. Most recent case law acts as a guide to legally communicate and draft appropriate advertising for fashion and design products, through press and traditional media, social networks and new media, using third-party content and exploring the new frontiers of blogging, product placement, testimonials, and the involvement of charities in addition to events and sponsorships.

6. COMPLIANCE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Module VI focuses on legal compliance applied to all stakeholders involved in the fashion business, including producers, distributors and importers. Particular emphasis is placed on the regulatory framework of anti-fraud and consumer protection, transfer pricing, and legal compliance with environmental, health and safety standards. In addition, students will become familiar with the growing concern related to sustainable production and the application of circular economy principles, which requires the use of safe chemicals, legal imports of precious animal skins, attention to the sustainability of natural resources and certification of the supply chain with specific attention paid to social issues (such as gender equality, human rights, child labour) throughout the entire production phase.

7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEMS

Module VII provides an understanding of the possible dispute resolution systems available in the fashion sector besides litigation, with a specific focus on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), forum shopping and preferred jurisdiction arising from European and international case-law.