Friday, April 04, 2008

The Love & Hate of Urban Outfitters

Exposed: If you closely follow the shops on Melrose here in LA, you will also notice the knock-off versions that Urban Outfitters produces. Did you think it was limited to Chinatown? Well, I have also been a target. Not that my idea is so great, but that it actually sold very well. For your eyes only, I present to you exhibit A: my t-shirt created Jan. 2007 and exhibit B: Urban Outfitters drawing pad created about 2 month later. I should also note that they later made a 3D pattern t-shirt that you could draw on (better idea than mine, that is if the ink could stay on the fabric). Check out other side by side comparisons here.

9 comments:

don'tthinkfeeeeeeeel said...

can you sue for some sort of infringment? that is completely wrong.

edwinushiro said...

I don't think I can sue. But thank you for sharing your thoughts. Things like this happen all the time. Anyways, I will make a better concept in the next round.

Anonymous said...

i designed that drawing pad.


0.0

am i in trouble?

Anonymous said...

seriously though, that sucks.
i'm pissed for you.

Anonymous said...

It is in no way an infringement. This is common place in the design industry and I don't think it was by any means intentional. The T-shirt looks fantastic and you should be happy that it sold well, let's face it this is no Kozyndan vs. Fallon/Sony style ripoff. Besides I bought the pad in an urban outfitters store in London back in Feb 2006. All the best and continued success.

edwinushiro said...

Thank you all for your wonderful insights. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm being a cry baby here. I do understand how this industry works. As my day job, I work in the film industry and it's very often ideas are pulled from other sources. So that part doesn't strike me. Referencing is okay. But morally, use it and spin it into your own style. Challenge yourself! I feel bad for Kozy and Dan. That's too close to home. Thank you "The Lee." Your comments are appreciated.

Homer Bernal said...

i rip off all the time. esp. from my roommate. he doesn't know it but i wear his underwear.

Christine Farah Photography said...

This world is full of copycats trust me I see it every day. But we all know that you Ed are the REAL deal so I say screw them and on to the next big thing so they can be soooo five minutes ago.

edwinushiro said...

The challenge is on the table, Crissy.