Summary:
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Amazon influencers Sydney and Alyssa are in legal battle over ‘Sad Beige’ aesthetic copyright infringement, stirring controversy.
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Gifford accuses Sheil of copying her style, filing lawsuit supported by evidence, while Sheil defends the popular aesthetic’s lack of uniqueness.
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The case could set a precedent in influencer copyright law, sparking debate over social media aesthetics copyrightability and potential industry lawsuits.
Amazon influencers Sydney Nicole Gifford and Alyssa Sheil are locked in a legal battle over the ‘Sad Beige’ aesthetic, a minimalist trend that went viral in 2021. Gifford, with over 790,000 followers, accuses Sheil, who has 380,000 followers, of copying her signature style, filing a lawsuit for trade dress and copyright infringement.
The lawsuit, supported by evidence of Gifford’s registered posts, alleges Sheil’s content mirrors Gifford’s in tone and style. Sheil’s defense claims the aesthetic is widely popular and not unique to Gifford. Intellectual property experts question the strength of Gifford’s case but acknowledge its potential to set a precedent in influencer copyright law.
As the case proceeds, it raises significant questions about the copyrightability of social media aesthetics. If Gifford wins, it could lead to more lawsuits in the influencer industry.
