Foundations Primed For Copyright Dispute Leave Makeup Collaboration Blushing

The makeup and cosmetics industry is one of the most lucrative markets in the world and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. In 2015 the beauty industry generated $56.2 billion in the US and £17 billion in the UK. It is now estimated that by 2020 the global cosmetic market will reach an astronomical worth of $675 billion.

Many celebrities and makeup artists alike are catching on to the potential income that can be made in this industry for example, Kylie Jenner. In 2016 she released her makeup range named Kylie cosmetics which has since become one of the most successful beauty brands in the world generating $8.7 million just from her lip kits alone.

As more and more celebs and social media influencers are releasing makeup lines and collaborations it is becoming more crucial to be able to protect the intellectual property within these creations. This is something that makeup artists Jeffree Star and Manny MUA are now learning. The recent collaboration between the two makeup moguls has been highly anticipated amongst their social media followers however it has now come to light that the release of their new makeup product will be put on hold after new claims that the duo are being sued for copyright infringement.

The claimants in the claim are Black Moon Cosmetics who allege that they were the first makeup brand to use "packaging incorporating a mark consisting of a holographic crescent moon on a black background". They are claiming that the makeup duo's new release, which also incorporates a black background with a holographic crescent moon, is a 'rip off' of their logo.

In order to prove their point Black Moon Cosmetics have taken a host of social media comments from people who have noticed the similarities between the brands as evidence. They have also pounced on a comment from Manny MUA in 2015 where he directly wrote to Black Moon Cosmetics exclaiming he 'loves' their packaging.

Black Moon are seeking an injunction against the makeup artists releasing their infringing products as well as damages and legal costs. This demonstrates the importance of researching your brand when commencing any new venture and it seems that makeup fans may have to wait a while yet for the Jeffree Star x Manny MUA collaboration.