For those who know just a little about American Indian crafts in general and the Navajo expertise in weaving in particular, Urban Outfitters is profiting off a quality brand without authorization or even an attempt to link to authenticity by the Navajo Tribe.
Product field means everything as far as legality goes. If Urban Outfitters were peddling a brand of maple syrup and syrup candies under the name Navajo, there would be no problem because the Navajo are not known for their confection making and maple syrup growing skills.
However, since a major part of Urban Outfitters core business is clothing and apparel, a product for which the Navajo craftsmanship and quality are known, you indeed have a case here.
Urban Outfitters could have avoided the whole problem by licensing some designs from Navajo craftsmen or even the tribe. I don't see a way they can win this even if they prevail in court.
FWIW, the Navajo Tribe are not a bunch of knee-jerk liberals like many other Native American tribes. It would be nice if some Freepers did a little actual research before they went off throwing slime and racist stereotypes.
That's a good analysis. I find amazing how many folks here seem to plain not like American Indians but will bend over backwards to defend other peoples/religions/special interests.
My family is Navajo, they fought and died on this land and fought and died on lands far from home for our country. Many Navajo can claim the same and much more - why should they not enjoy the same rights and protections that others enjoy?
Years ago, the Federal Government tried to get members of the Navajo community to have their own manufacturing facility of HORSE TRAILERS.
I don’t know exactly how long this facility was in production, but I do actually own a 1974 NAVAJO 2 horse straight load bumper pull trailer.
Some of the workmanship is a bit rough, but it was built like a tank.
The story I got was that after a couple of paychecks, they could NOT get the Navajo workers to continue coming to work, building this product.
I don’t know how true that comment is.
I still have the trailer, altho after it has sat for 4 + years, I probably have to buy new tires to take it any distance. For sure, the bearings will have to be checked & possibly repacked.