interiors+sources: What goes into the design process of a product? How does this differ from counterfeits?
Susan Lyons: User research, material research, concept development, prototype development, physical testing, application testing, color development, sampling, and distribution—each step ensures that the product will perform for the intended application.
Knock-offs take a “skin deep” approach, replicating the surface qualities of the design, but often miss building in the critical wear characteristics of a product. This means that the product may look something like the original, but it won’t last or perform like the original.
i+s: What are your thoughts about the “20-percent rule”—that a product isn’t copying if it’s changed by 20-percent? This is a problem in the graphic design world, but does it create problems within the textile industry?
SL: We have successfully taken legal action against knock-offs, but it can be difficult. There are lots of ideas out there in the collective consciousness—a polka dot is a polka dot is a polka dot—these are ideas that are difficult to own. However, there are many textiles that are clearly unique and copying them is wrong.
i+s: Is there any way for someone to tell is a product is Designtex or a knock-off?
SL: If it is coming from our distribution network, it is our product. If it is available through an alternative channel, it may be a knock-off.
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i+s: Why did Designtex choose to join Be Original Americas?
SL: Designtex values original thought and inquiry. We believe that it should be encouraged and nurtured. Ultimately, knock-offs hurt the industry and hurt the people and the companies that are designing and making original work.
