Want to be the next Mulleavy or McQueen? Read on...

Want to start your own fashion line? It is the dream of many fashionistas as it can be a fun, profitable and glamorous career. But, of course, it’s not that easy.

I sat down with David Colby, the Managing Partner of Colby Law Office to ask about some of the challenges fashion entrepreneurs must face.

As an introduction, please tell us a little bit about Colby Law Office. For example, where are you based?
We are a law firm dedicated to ideas, plans and strategies of entrepreneurs, designers and creative business revolutionaries. We’re based in NYC, but we represent clients from all over the U.S. and the world.

What services do you offer that might be of particular relevance to creative individuals, especially those working in the fashion industry?　
Perhaps the number one thing a fashion designer can do is register a trademark of their brand. Whether it is their name, a pseudonym, or a logo—or all of the above, it is the premier asset for fashion. Fashions come and go, but the designer name is what builds value and goodwill. We take it very seriously and we use our experience to accomplish these goals for our fashion design clients. The earlier the better for an aspiring designer. There are many other things that are important in the fashion industry, but trademark is of particular relevance.