It's not just booze binges and mediocre handbag designs threatening Mischa Barton's efforts to take her accessories line worldwide. Her latest enemy is an Australian handbag designer.

Mischa hopes to trademark her name, signature and logo Down Under, but Queensland brand Mischa Accessories has other ideas. The Gold Coast-based handbag label has opposed Mischa's efforts to register the trademark in Oz.

Earlier this year American singer Katy Perry was involved in a similar dispute with Sydney-based fashion designer Katie Perry. The Aussies won that case, but lawyers say the Gold Coast brand may have a tougher time with its suit.

Mischa Accessories manager Mervill Allen and Mischa Barton's Melbourne-based lawyers have so far refused to comment on the case.

Australia has seen a dramatic rise in the number of trademark opposition cases in the last two years, with many local companies keen to protect their turf. I can understand that, but I’m not sure I follow the logic of this case. The names are similar but not identical. If anything it seems likely that fans may snap up a Mischa Accessories bag mistaking it for a Mischa Barton original. I certainly can't see it driving customers away from the Queenslanders!

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]
[Image Source: Friskytuna/Flickr]

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