Legal Dispute Over Design Authenticity
A former Dragons’ Den winner, Nicola Fletcher, known as "the queen of hi-vis," is currently embroiled in a bitter court battle with a rival over the artistic merit of her designs.
Fletcher launched Equisafety Ltd in 2010 and secured a £100,000 investment in 2015 from Dragons' Den investors Duncan Bannatyne and Piers Linney. Her company specializes in fashionable hi-vis horse riding gear.
Copyright Row with Rival Company
The legal dispute centers around Woof Wear Ltd allegedly breaching the copyright of three of Equisafety's hi-vis designs, including a hat band, waistcoat, and horse neck band.
While Fletcher claims her designs are artistic and innovative, Woof Wear's lawyers argue that the garments are functional safety wear and not protected by copyright as works of artistic craftsmanship.
Artistic Vision vs. Functional Design
Representing her company in court, Fletcher emphasized her desire to create alluring safety wear for the equestrian market, aiming for something more artistic than traditional hi-vis gear.
Despite facing skepticism from the riding community initially, Fletcher managed to win them over with her unique designs, which she believes are a blend of safety and style.
Court’s Decision Pending
Judge Ian Karet will deliver his ruling on the case at a later date, determining whether Equisafety's designs are indeed works of artistic craftsmanship deserving of copyright protection.
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