New Delhi – Celebrated Delhi-based couturier Anupamaa Dayal has issued a legal notice to five individuals associated with the South American fashion brand Rapsodia, accusing them of plagiarising her original designs.
Speaking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Ms. Dayal said that the designs had been “copied in totality”, infringing upon her intellectual property. Her eponymous label ‘Anupamaa’ is known for its use of ancient Indian textile traditions, with a focus on hand printing and intricate needlecraft.
According to Dayal, she discovered the alleged infringement last month when she came across Rapsodia’s designs online. The Buenos Aires-based brand’s website is currently inaccessible from India, though its social media pages remain active.
Legal Action
In her legal notice, Dayal has demanded:
- A formal apology from Rapsodia
- Financial compensation, including a share of profits made from selling the allegedly copied pieces
The notice, sent to five individuals linked with Rapsodia, outlines what Dayal describes as clear and willful copyright violation.
“This isn’t mere inspiration. These designs have been lifted in totality, which is a violation not only of creative ethics but also of the law,” Dayal said.
The case highlights the growing concerns of design piracy in the global fashion industry, especially with respect to the misuse of traditional and indigenous textile art.
As of now, Rapsodia has not issued a public response.
