Forever 21, the apparel juggernaut that kinda sorta steals from the best and brightest in the design world so it can be yours for only $19.95, has settled a two-year-old trade dress lawsuit filed by Trovata, the OC-prep line that once nabbed a $200,000 grant from the CFDA/Vogue fashion fund. Trovata sued the fast fashion retailer after it sold seven garments totally nearly identical to Trovata designs. WWD reports that the settlement comes just days before a second trial was to commence (the first trial ended in a deadlocked jury). Terms of the settlement are undisclosed, and there’s no admission of any liability. It remains to be seen whether F21 will alter its design strategy–it’s been accused of design infringement more than 50 times in the last four years. Then again, you can’t copyright a shirt, only graphics and prints. Judging from this now-famous side-by-side exhibit A from Trovata attorneys (right), perhaps Forever 21 will be at least a little more discreet.
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