It’s not everyday designers get to stop their designs from being copied and stolen. Varuna D Jani, jewellery designer, recently caught her worker Govind Ghosh trying to sell of her patented bangle design to another dealer. Varuna also exposed freelance designer Bishwanath who allegedly targets craftsmen working for high end designers to steal their designs and sell it to other retailers. Both accused are currently being questioned in police custody.
Clearly upset about these events, Varuna says: “My main concern is my patented design concept for bangles that I am to launch at the upcoming Gem and Jewelry show which were leaked by Govind and Biswanth to mass manufacturers. A designer goes through great pain in creating innovative designs. A lot of thought is put into each of their creations and such instances of crime should be treated with extreme severity by our law. These acts should not be entertained by the jewelry industry and we must take severe action so as to protect the industry professionals from such criminals. Designers need to be aware of their rights to intellectual property and register and trademark their designs so they can prevent such outcomes.”