Adventures in Copyright

Adventures in Copyrights: What’s in a Name?

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There’s nothing so remarkable about this Goldenbleu handbag, except for its name:

The San Francisco label has decided to name their red patent tote “The Luella Bag,” which strikes us as weird.

After all, have you ever heard the name “Luella” outside of Luella Bartley?

And if you say, “Look at my new Luella bag,” wouldn’t you assume you were talking about the one from London, not the one from this line sheet?

It’s something to consider, especially since they’ve also got a Marni bag for Fall.

Are you duping your shoppers by using another designer’s name?

We think yes, and also:

Look closely at this bag, marked $260 wholesale but $650 for normal shoppers. With a little hunting, you could find a real Luella for the same price…

Comments

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1

posted by Cindy

Oct 09, 2007 1:53PM

well, my grandma's name was Luella! ;oP

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2

posted by tina

Oct 09, 2007 7:15PM

this would probably be more of a trademark issue...

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3

posted by Bruno Andersen

Oct 09, 2007 10:31PM

It seems like a stretch that a pretty well-known up-and-comer like Goldenbleu would use the name a single handbag style to trick consumers into purchasing it, thinking they were buying a Luella bartley product especially since it would be merchandised at retail with other Goldenbleu styles and must have Goldenbleu branding on or just inside the bag. Also, anyone in the accessories retail business would know the customary markup from wholesale to MSRP for a bridge contemporary or better handbag is 2.4x to 2.5x. My calculator says they're right at 2.5. I don't get it.

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4

posted by guest

Feb 25, 2008 3:04PM

Well, yes, actually, I have. Luella is the name of a fairly well-known San Francisco restaurant (Mick Jagger is reported to have dined there). The homage is obvious...the line sheet even uses the same font as restaurant's web site, menus and signage. Do a modicum of research before you dish. I'm a 50-year old straight, white male who doesn't work for any party involved and I figured this one out.

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