Over the past month considerable public outrage has been directed towards the recent US bills SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). Although  both bills are intended to restrict piracy in the US, many people are worried of how limiting the two bills will become.

Re-posting ‘unoriginal material’ is in violation of  the two bills and since many fashion admirers tend to re-post or share fashion images and videos, it would seem strange that fashion houses would vote in favour of halting their internet exposure.

In an unofficial list of SOPA and PIPA supporters several design houses are allegedly backing the bill including heavy hitters Burberry, Perry Ellis and Ralph Lauren. All three labels have produced marketing initiatives that require the use of the very sites the bills are attempting to limit and or eliminate. Furthermore, all of the campaigns developed by these brands are intended to be watched and distributed quickly by fans on the same websites.

Burberry’s S/S 2012 was seen on twitter before the looks hit the runway.

Perry Ellis is one of hundreds of brands that have a FaceBook page to promote brand recognition.

Ralph Lauren’s ’4D’ experience went viral on youtube in 2010.

SOPA and PIPA are currently limited to the US, but Canadians will definitely feel the internet limitations if the bills are accepted. Although fashion has always been on a crusade against piracy, these bills will destroy how many fashion lovers view and share fashion ideas ultimately diminishing brand recognition and exposure.