Next reaches settlement over design dispute with Scamp & Dude

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Nov 12, 2018

Next has agreed to pay the profits from any sales of a contested design to fashion label Scamp & Dude after being accused of “blatant infringement” of a children’s animal-print top.

Scamp & Dude founder Jo Tutchener-Sharp accused Next of copying the design on an Instagram post in September. Both tops feature a blue leopard animal print and a pink lightning bolt logo, which Scamp & Dude uses to represent strength and give children courage, it said.

Next said it settled the lawsuit on Friday morning, and that Scamp & Dude will use the profits for charitable purposes.

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"Next will also be donating all of the remaining clothing of this design to a charity for distribution to children in need overseas,” the national retailer added.

In September, Tutchener-Sharp said she was “extremely disappointed” at Next.

“When a company makes £635 million year net profit, surely they have the resources to create their own designs and not take from independent businesses like Scamp & Dude.

“What hurts the most is taking something so meaningful to our brand, our Superpower Button. Our Superpower Button provides kids with superpowers to give them strength and courage when they need it most. This has to stop. Where has the integrity gone in the fashion industry?”

Tutchener-Sharp founded the brand after being forced to leave her children for a lengthy stay in hospital to undergo brain surgery. The brand is available in Liberty London and online.