500 F. App'x 42
2d Cir.2012Background
- Jovani Fashion, Ltd. sues Fiesta Fashions for copyright infringement of a prom dress design.
- The district court dismissed the complaint under Rule 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim.
- Clothing is a “useful article” not subject to copyright protection.
- Jovani argues the dress has design elements that are separable from the garment.
- Court holds the dress elements are not physically or conceptually separable from the clothing and thus not protectable.
- Court affirms dismissal of the action.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether dress design elements are separable from the garment | Jovani contends elements are separable design features | Fiesta argues elements are not separable from clothing | Not separable; no plausible copyright claim |
Key Cases Cited
- Whimsicality, Inc. v. Rubie’s Costume Co., 891 F.2d 452 (2d Cir. 1989) (decorative elements unlikely to be separable from clothing)
- Chosun Int’l, Inc. v. Chrisha Creations, Ltd., 413 F.3d 324 (2d Cir. 2005) (conceptual separability test for design elements in costumes)
- Brandir Int’l, Inc. v. Cascade Pac. Lumber Co., 834 F.2d 1142 (2d Cir. 1987) (merger of aesthetic and function affects separability)
- Hart v. Dan Chase Taxidermy Supply Co., 86 F.3d 320 (2d Cir. 1996) (small category of items whose function is merely to portray appearance)
- Mazer v. Stein, 347 U.S. 201 (1954) (decorative items with removable functionality may be protected in limited contexts)