In this episode I take a closer look at Loro Piana, the Italian fashion house synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, rare materials, and quiet luxury. I begin with a brief history of the brand and its rise to become one of the world’s most prestigious luxury houses before diving into the intellectual property behind the Loro Piana name.

Then I discuss their trademark portfolio and its use of patents to protect innovation and design, exploring how intellectual property has helped Loro Piana protect what makes the brand distinctive. At the end of the episode I discuss a recent legal victory involving a lookalike of one of the house’s most recognizable shoes and what the case tells us about the legal boundaries between inspiration and imitation in luxury fashion. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Would you pay almost $30 for a smoothie? Welcome to the high-stakes, hyper-aesthetic world of luxury grocery shopping. In this episode, I am diving deep into the phenomenon of high-end supermarkets, with a front-row look at the ultimate status symbol of grocery stores: Erewhon.

I break down how a health food store became Hollywood’s hottest runway, the fascinating psychology behind luxury consumer culture, and whether these organic, ultra-premium products are actually worth the price tag. From viral celebrity smoothies to the rise of "grocery store tourism," I explore how buying a carton of raw milk became a lifestyle statement. Then I provide my legal analysis of the massive legal battle over grocery history: Dean & DeLuca Brands v. Fire Brands Innovation trademark infringement lawsuit. Are dead or diminished legacy brands up for grabs?

This episode is all about Hermes and the recent updates regarding the 2024 antitrust class action lawsuit filed in California alleging that Hermes is engaging in anticompetitive activities relating to the sale of the Hermes Birkin handbags. I provide my legal analysis and discussion on the lawsuit and all the updates (including an appeal by Hermes) which includes Hermes' alleged practice of requiring customers to spend thousands of dollars on ancillary products before obtaining an "opportunity" to purchase a Birkin bag.

Episode Notes:

1. Cavalleri v. Hermes, N.D. Cal., No. 3:24-cv-01707