Victory celebration! Fashion store ‘House of Zana’ throws a party after winning a lengthy trademark dispute with high street behemoth Zara Owner Amber Kottri asked everyone to celebrate’mighty independent enterprises.’
Zara argued that House of Zana’s name was “conceptually identical” to theirs. However, a tribunal determined that the connection between the two stores was “insubstantial.”
A small fashion business that triumphed in a lengthy legal struggle against the big apparel brand Zara will throw a celebration to commemorate its high-profile victory.
House of Zana in Darlington, County Durham, was embroiled in a trademark dispute with Zara because its name was too similar.
The multimillion-pound store asserted that House of Zana, which specializes in handcrafted kimonos, was “conceptually identical” to it and that there was a “high degree of visual and oral similarities” between the two companies.
The proprietor of the modest, independent clothing store, Amber Kottri, argued that there were substantial differences between her store and the fashion giant.
A panel ultimately ruled that the connection between the two establishments was “insubstantial,” and Mrs. Kottri is now throwing a victory celebration to “honor independent companies and how powerful we are when we fight for what we believe in.”
The owner of House of Zana, Amber Kottri (pictured), is throwing a party to celebrate its high-profile triumph in a protracted court dispute with global clothing company Zara.
Kottri extended an invitation to all on Facebook, writing, “Let’s finally raise a glass to celebrate independent enterprises and how powerful we are when we fight for what we believe in.”
Wednesday, House of Zana, in collaboration with Darlington Borough Council, will host a “fantastic evening of fashion” on the main stage in Darlington Town Centre.
The event will have free food, a fashion show, free face painting, music by Finn Forster, a pop-up boutique, a photo wall, and a throne.
The party, which takes place a few weeks after the trademark triumph, honors the company’s victory over Zara and acts as an evening of appreciation to all those who supported the business throughout its legal battle.
Mrs. Kottri stated, “There are numerous more enterprises in the same predicament as mine, and I hope this outcome gives them the confidence to realize that victory is attainable.”
It’s been amazing that I’ve won, not only for myself but also for everyone who has supported me.
The event is accessible to everyone. House of Zana advertised the event online, stating, ‘After a long road and stressful few years, we’re so happy to celebrate our victory against ZARA – and you’re all welcome!
We couldn’t have done it without your help and hope to see you all on August 31 at 5 p.m. in Darlington Market Square.
Zara said House of Zana, which specializes in handcrafted kimonos, was ‘conceptually identical’ to it and that the two firms shared a ‘high degree of visual and oral similarities’
Zara attempted to order Mrs. Kottri (seen in April with Rejoy business partner Erin Harper) to modify the name of her store and opposed her trademark application.
Wednesday, House of Zana, in collaboration with Darlington Borough Council, will host a “fantastic evening of fashion” on the main stage in Darlington Town Centre. The event will feature free food, a fashion display, face painting, music by Finn Forster, the Northern Shakers Bar, a pop-up boutique, a photo wall, and a throne.
Zara attempted to order Mrs. Kottri to change the name of her store and opposed her trademark application.
The company asserted that House of Zana’s name is ‘conceptually identical’ to their own and that the ordinary consumer will likely mistake the two companies.
It also asked House on Zana to remove all marking; but, determined to keep her brand, she argued that doing so would cause “irreparable harm” to her business and bore no resemblance to Zara’s brand name.
During the hearing, Mrs. Kotrri emphasized that her independent local firm is smaller and has a different philosophy than one of the most prominent fast fashion businesses on the high street.
A trademark judgement by Matthew Williams stated, “I am convinced that the differences between the marks are adequate to exclude the possibility of direct consumer confusion.”
Mrs. Kottri acknowledged her relief at overcoming the court fight last month, saying, ‘There were days when I was certain that Zara would prevail, but when I reread all the words of support and realized how many people had signed the petition, I thought, ‘Absolutely not!’
A business in Barnard Castle, County Durham, was compelled to alter its name to “Zara Countrywear” in 2016 after being threatened by the same corporation.
The owner of Zara, Inditex, defended its choice to hire Mrs. Kotrri in April.
While we do not desire to comment on the ruling itself, we continue to wish Ms. Kottri and her business well in the future,’ a Zara spokeswoman told MailOnline earlier this month.
After launching her business online in 2018, House of Zana specializes on ethically sourced and environmentally friendly clothes of the highest quality. Mrs. Kottri was photographed on August 7, 2022.
The popularity of House of Zana led to the opening of a concept store in Darlington’s Grange Road, which has since expanded to Teesside Airport and reached a global audience online.
After launching her business online in 2018, House of Zana specializes on ethically sourced and environmentally friendly clothes of the highest quality.
Due to the success of its Grange Road, Darlington, concept store, the company has expanded to Teesside Airport and reached a global audience online.
Mrs. Kottri, a former Art and Design student, plays a crucial role in the everyday business, from garment design to fabric selection.
In the meantime, the name Zana means ‘fairy’ in Albanian, the country where the company was founded and maintains a manufacturing studio.
Mrs. Kotrri stated in April, ‘We do not believe anyone has confused House of Zana with Zara, nor do we anticipate that this will occur. We are a tiny company specializing in handcrafted kimonos.
“We have one modest concept store in the North East of England and a website to help promote our items, but Zara is a globally famous fashion brand with over 2,000 retail stores and a vast assortment of merchandise.”
Why should a corporate giant be permitted to prevent a small firm from using a name that is in no way similar to theirs and would result in the annihilation of our brand, when there is no chance of consumer confusion?
“We are aware that we do not pose a threat to them, but they may destroy everything we have fought so hard to achieve.”