BANGALORE: Two designer saree brands of the city are now battling a copyright case in the High Court. The court has instructed both the parties not to copy each other’s designs from now on.
Justice H G Ramesh is hearing the case between Sarisha Sarees and Sakhi Enterprise. Both the parties have produced sarees and dress materials whose designs are in question.
The battle started with Sakhi Enterprise alleging that Sarisha Sarees copied several of its saree designs and reproduced them with minimal changes.
Sakhi Enterprise, started with a boutique in Indiranagar in August 2005, alleged that Sarisha Sarees copied some of its exclusive designs from various sources including its website and sold them in the market.
Sakhi Enterprises alleged that Sarisha is selling sarees which are replica of the artistic work created by it, not only in its shops but also in several exhibition-cum-sales.
However, Sarisha Sarees refuted the allegations. It stated that the artistic works created, developed and applied to various materials, are its original.
It said as the owners of Sakhi are “unable to digest its growing popularity”, the rival company has come up with the suit.
Sarisha contended that the list of designs furnished by Sakhi is not original as they are available in the open market and are generally found in all leading shops selling sarees and they are not unique.
A city civil court, however, has allowed the petition of Sakhi Sarees and asked Sarisha to pay for the copyright violation.
Aggrieved by the order, Sarisha moved the high court.
The high court has instructed both parties not to copy each other’s designs in future. The court is, however, yet to decide on the appeal filed by Sarisha Sarees.
The final hearing is scheduled for September 26.