Alejandro Abadía Grimaldos

Project Theme

This project addresses the challenges emerging fashion designers face in protecting their intellectual property (IP) in the European Union. In a landscape dominated by fast fashion, young creatives often see their work copied by large corporations without having the legal knowledge, financial resources, or institutional support to respond. The research highlights gaps in education, the complexity of legal terminology, and the prohibitive costs that discourage designers from seeking protection. Through qualitative, narrative-based research with emerging designers, the project explores how they currently manage IP, the risks of copying, and the kind of guidance they need. The outcome aims to democratize legal knowledge and create accessible tools that empower designers to protect their rights, reputation, and careers.

The App

As a practice-based result, the project proposes an app designed to simplify and make intellectual property protection accessible for emerging designers and small fashion businesses. The app provides step-by-step guidance on EU legal tools such as trademarks, registered and unregistered designs, and patents, translating complex legal language into clear and practical information. Beyond being an educational tool, the app functions as a community resource, helping designers understand their rights, share experiences, and take proactive measures against copying. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen the creative ecosystem, support fair competition, and foster sustainable growth for new talent in the fashion industry