H&M sues Primark

The Swedish high-street fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz is suing British value retail chain Primark for plagiarising clothing patterns on dresses, shirts and babywear. Primark is being accused of copying H&M's dragon and flame pattern, a particular floral print, a Petrol Club branded badge design, a graffiti pattern and a target-style design.

This court case marks a new phase for fashion legislation. Last year the courts were advised to use new European regulations that protect designers' rights and this is the first case of its kind. H&M currenly operates around 945 stores in 18 countries, half of which are in Europe. Primark, which is owned by British Associated Foods, operates more than 115 stores in the UK and Ireland. It is momentarily focusing on European expansion.