Ao Dai Fabric Brand Owner Prosecuted for AI-Assisted Design Copying

Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc, the owner of the ao dai fabric brand "Dat Lanh," faces prosecution for copyright infringement, according to HCM City police. The investigation, initiated following a tip from Hanoi's Internal Political Security Department, centers on allegations that Ngoc illegally copied designs.

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The collection on 'Letters from the City' has been granted a copyright registration certificate by the Copyright Office in accordance with the law.

Investigators identified designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam as the legitimate author and owner of the "Letters from the City" ao dai collection, which holds a registered copyright certificate. The collection had been widely publicized through cultural events, fashion shows, and media. Despite knowing the designs were protected, Ngoc allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to replicate images from Nam's collection. She then directed her staff to refine these AI-generated designs for "Dat Lanh" brand fabric production, advertising, and sales.

Ngoc's business operates on a commercial scale with dedicated design, sales, and production departments, supported by significant machinery, warehousing, and accounting. Her marketing efforts utilized multiple social media accounts, online sales groups, and a network of collaborators to promote and sell products across various provinces, with a particular focus on Hanoi.

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Despite knowing that the work was protected by copyright and not having permission from the copyright owner, Ms. Ngoc copied the design images belonging to the 'Letters from the City' collection.

A copyright protection center's conclusion confirmed the copying between Nam's protected designs and the fabric products manufactured and sold by Ngoc's company. Notably, after the infringement was detected, Ngoc reportedly instructed her employees to delete data, messages, and images related to the violated designs from social media and internal communication channels to conceal her actions from authorities. The HCM City Economic Police are continuing their investigation to clarify all criminal acts and the responsibilities of involved individuals and organizations.

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After the incident was discovered, Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc asked employees to delete data, messages, images, and posts related to the infringing design on social media systems and internal business exchange groups to conceal her actions and deal with the authorities.