Fashion Law Fundamentals:
A Program by TFL

Participants will receive a dynamic and real world-focused education in the foundations of fashion law and business, complete with insights into cutting-edge issues that are impacting the retail industry.

This program provides a valuable opportunity to gain expertise in key areas, including (but not limited to): brand building and IP, relevent regulation and legislation, circularity and the secondary market, ESG/sustainability best practices, cutting-edge technology, and deal making in the retail industry.

Intellectual Property Principles & Practice

This session will delve into intellectual property principles and practices in fashion and retail, including the evolving challenges of protecting design, trademarks, and brand identity in a globalized marketplace. Topics range from the IP creation and enforcement of trade dress and copyright to the role of emerging technologies in combating counterfeits and managing IP portfolios.

Brand Building in the Modern Market

This session will explore how brands can effectively build identity, reach, and trust. Ashley will explore the early brand building blueprint, including (but not limited to) creating authentic products and content that drives engagement and loyalty, selecting the right partners, and the role of marketing in the modern market.

The Opportunities & Challenges of Resale

This session will explore how brands are unlocking value through circular business models, tech-enabled authentication, and seamless peer-to-peer marketplaces. Graham, the former chief authenticator for The RealReal, will discuss the rise of the resale market, best practices with marketing/disclosure, the liabilities of authentication and counterfeits, and luxury as an asset class.

ESG & Sustainability: Navigating Regulation & Reputation

This session will explore how fashion brands are responding to the rapidly tightening ESG landscape, covering existing and forthcoming legislation across the U.S. and EU, as well as voluntary sustainability standards. Melissa will assess the implications for brand strategy, risk management, greenwashing enforcement, and operational compliance.

The Case for Upcycling & Customization

This session will unpack how transforming deadstock and vintage materials into bespoke, high-margin products drives sustainability and profitability. The discussion will delve into demand for customized creations, the practical challenges of scaling upcycling operations, consumer perception shifts, legal pressures, and integrating upcycling and customization into existing retail strategies.

Fashion Law in Practice

This session will feature a conversation with Anna Dalla Val, the Chief IP Counsel, Director of Brand Protection and External Affairs at Amazon — formerly Chief IP Counsel at Ralph Lauren. She’ll share career-building insights and a firsthand account of the day-to-day realities of practicing fashion law at the highest level, followed by a live Q&A.