Sonia Edwards told a High Court judge in London that the business, which was recently embroiled in a lengthy battle with Frasers Group, had infringed her copyright across five of its designs.
The designer is fighting Boohoo Group’s Nasty Gal brand, alongside Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Misspap and Debenhams brands, over the claim.
Edwards called on the judge to order the retailers to stop selling or importing various garments which she says are copies of her work.
The claims regard five designs promoted by Boohoo or the linked retailers – a halter-neck bikini top, a rib organza mesh puff-sleeve top, a velvet ruched midi-skirt, a twist-front skirt, and leather-front ruched leggings.
As well as an order banning sales of the alleged dupes, the designer called on the judge to declare Boohoo infringed the design rights of her business, Cwtchy Cwtchy, and to pay compensation over damages.
However, lawyers for the retailers have claimed any alleged similarities in the pieces are an “abstract cluster of features” not protected under copyright law, and that her allegations are “misconceived”.
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Edwards said: “I am a self-taught designer who relies on a hands-on, improvised approach … through trial and error until I produce a design that satisfies my own visions.
“I don’t follow trends, and work with my own creative freedom.”
She told judge Tom Mitcheson KC that the retailers “had prior knowledge of my designs and access to them prior to publication on their platforms, at times the alleged infringed designs are paired with similar stylization, giving an overall similar look to the outfit.”
Judge Andrew Norris KC, representing the five fashion groups, said: “Her belief is imagined and misconceived, but explains much of her motivation in this action.”
The judge reserved judgement for a later date following the hearing.
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