Singer Rihanna has just won a court case against British retailer Topshop. The dispute involved t-shirts that were being sold by the clothing giant bearing her image without consent.

Justice Colin Birss ruled in favor of the “Diamonds” singer on Wednesday, citing that shoppers were likely mislead to believe RiRi authorized the design and sale.

“Many fans of Rihanna regard her endorsement as important, she is their style icon. Many will buy a product because they think that it’s approved by her. Others will wish to buy it because of the value of the perceived authorization itself. In both cases they will have been deceived.”

Additionally, he concluded that the sale of the shirts took particular control from the Bajan artist, who has been trying to establish herself as a fashion designer. She’s already started a line of her own at a competitor’s store.

According to Topshop retailers, “There was no intention by Topshop to create the appearance of an endorsement or promotion…we do not believe it conveyed any false message to our customers.” Topshop expressed disappointment in response to the verdict. Their case was built on the notion that Rihanna was wrong in assuming that only a celebrity would be able to market and profit from a product carrying his or her image. Topshop is looking to appeal the decision.

Do you think that it was wrong of them to sell t-shirts without RiRi’s consent?

 

–Ese (@140LetterEssay)