New copyright infringement case of traditional designs

A new case of copyright infringement of the iconography of craftsmen of Tenango de Doria , in the state of Hidalgo , has been brought to light. A few weeks ago, department store chain Liverpool put on sale a model of That's It! tennis shoes featuring prints of Te nangos – the designs made by this community – without crediting the artisan community which produces them.

The shoes with the iconography characteristic of Tenango de Doria, were being sold at MXN$ 594 and MXN$ 699; the only reference about their manufacture is the legend “Mexico” written at the back of the shoes.

Clients of the chain exposed the case on social media thus cultural sponsors and artisans sent a letter to Liverpool's executives notifying them of the possible “plagiarism, stripping, and violence of cultural rights.”

The letter, sent to Liverpool S.A. de C.V., denounces the transgression against the cultural rights of this Hidalgo community and was sent by Carlos Arturo Martínez Negrete, researcher and cultural sponsor, who has previously denounced other cases of copyright infringement.

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Moreover, the letter – of which EL UNIVERSAL has a copy – mentions that the sale of the tennis shoes “inhibits the purchase of original products, does not give credit [to the craftsmen], and changes the interpretations of colors representing their traditions.”

On behalf of the Associación de Dibujantes de Tenangos A.C., Martínez Negrete requested a comprehensive compensation to the company for the damages caused.

As a response to the queries of EL UNIVERSAL, Liverpool stated that “in regards to the observations made by some clients, the [tennis shoes] models would be withdrawn from their stores to clarify the situation of the design with the supplier.” The company further added that Liverpool is a Mexican company that has operated for 170 years with ethics and “in strict compliance with the laws.”

The company which manufactured the item, with headquarters in León, Guanajuato, contacted Martínez.

“They don't know what they'll do, because Liverpool has told them they will return them 1,800 pairs of shoes, ” said Martínez, who also pointed out the lack of sensitivity of the creators by not acknowledging the community's tradition.

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