Melbourne Design Week | The Age of the Dupe

Who doesn't love a good dupe? Easy, cost-effective and (hopefully) having all the benefits of the far more 'exclusive' option. Advocating for authenticity over accessibility seems misplaced when people are contending with cost-of-living pressures. However, it is not always that simple. Accessibility can have its downsides, with fast-fashion having serious human-rights and environmental impacts.

This panel discussion seeks to challenge the audience's perspectives on the notion of copying. Public perception of copying does not always align with the legal landscape. In some cases, copying will be ethical but, arguably, immoral (and vice versa). The freedom to emulate is an important precursor to innovation. But also, creators should be rewarded for their efforts.

The ethical issues can become more acute when we consider consumer goods. Access to "cheap copies" can foster excessive consumption, with the knock-on environmental and societal impact. Conversely, for many, these products are the only ones that can be economically accessed. As we look to transition into a renewables-led energy future, questions about how to ensure equitable access will be increasingly important.

About our panellists

Lucy Davis, Barrister

Lucy accepts briefs in commercial law with a keen interest in intellectual property, consumer law and the automotive industry. She approaches briefs with a commercial mindset and a true understanding of business complexity and drivers. Lucy’s experience as a solicitor, including managing the legal department at Toyota Australia, allows her to provide advocacy and advice that is commercially sound. She commenced as a lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth managing contentious and non-contentious intellectual property and information technology matters.

Dr Marian Makkar, Senior Lecturer-Marketing, RMIT University

Dr Marian Makkar's research falls under consumer behaviour, specifically consumer culture theory (CCT). Based on her diverse background, Marian's research interest span consumer culture, luxury consumption behaviours and luxury brand management, design for value co-creation and the use of technology to enhance consumer worlds. She has published in leading journals such as Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and presented her research at international academic conferences including the Association of Consumer Research, Consumer Culture Theory Consortium and Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conferences. She has received several academic awards and won university and nation-wide competitions for her research. Prior to pursuing an academic career, Marian worked in luxury retail as Marketing Manager of Alfred Dunhill Limited in Dubai. Her career also saw her working in public relations handling FMCG brands, beauty products and luxury automotive brands that spanned the Middle East and Africa and across New Zealand.

Sophie McGrath, Director, Sophie McGrath PR

Sophie McGrath is the Director of Sophie McGrath PR and established the business in 2015. Sophie has worked with Australia’s leading consumer, fashion, food, health and lifestyle brands across her 15-year career.

Sophie works with clients in the Food and Beverage, Lifestyle, Environmental, Charity, Fashion and Sport fields. Sophie has always and will continue to show people and businesses that PR is fundamental in creating brand awareness.

In addition, Sophie is the Founder of Bed Intentions, a microbiome-friendly lubricant. Informed by her expertise as a publicist, Bed Intentions has a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that the brand contributes to positive social and environmental impacts.

Facilitated by

Edith Hamilton, Principal, Patent and Trade Marks Attorney, Griffith Hack

Edith Hamilton has considerable experience in patent opposition matters – she has experience in handling multiple inter-related matters in order to secure freedom-to-operate, while maintaining the client’s own IP position. The skills and perspectives gained through defending and challenging patent cases benefits all her clients, whether she is providing IP advice or conducting patent drafting and prosecution work.

Edith’s technical expertise embraces mechanical engineering, materials science and chemistry, and her experience extends into in the areas of fast moving consumer goods, including food packaging; food technology; advanced materials production and processing; fibre and textile technology; process engineering; oil and gas; clean technology; and mining technology, including explosives and blasting technology. Edith also has a keen interest in designs.