A Journey of a Dupe: Crossing the Line from Dupe to Counterfeit
Dupes have become a major part of the modern consumer marketplace, especially in fashion, beauty, and consumer goods. But the legal boundary between an inspired product and unlawful copying is not always clear.
On April 14, we hosted an International Trademark Association (INTA) Roundtable at our Philadelphia office to explore how intellectual property law addresses the evolving “dupe economy,” including the legal frameworks governing counterfeits, look-alike products, and comparative marketing.
The discussion considered questions such as:
🟦 Where is the line between inspiration and infringement?
🟦 How do trademarks, trade dress, design patents, and other IP rights shape that analysis?
🟦 What practical considerations should brands, retailers, and counsel keep in mind as the marketplace continues to evolve?
We enjoyed welcoming members of the IP community for a thoughtful discussion with our Intellectual Property Group, including Barry Cohen, Donna Tobin, Nancy Rubner Frandsen, Julie Latsko, Doug Panzer, and David Hollander.
Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld – Philadelphia Office
April 14, 2026
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
