Topshop has released a lengthy statement, after Rihanna was awarded £3.3 million in damages yesterday
Topshop has said it is 'surprised and disappointed' at yesterday's Rihanna ruling ruling, which saw the popstrel awarded £3.3 million in damages at the High Court in London.
The singer won a legal battle to stop the high street store selling t-shirts printed with her image, after accusing them of 'attempting to pass off' the design as approved - and therefore endorsed by her.
RIHANNA WINS HIGH COURT IMAGE RIGHTS BATTLE AGAINST TOPSHOP
In a statement, Topshop said it had 'no intention' of passing off the products as authorised by the pop star, adding: 'we do not believe it conveyed any false message to our customers.'
'Topshop are surprised and disappointed by the judgement handed down today. We pride ourselves on the fact that many celebrities choose to visit and buy from us,' the lengthy statement read.
'We respect their boundaries and their privacy, as we do with that of all of our customers. We feel that the fact that Rihanna has shopped, worn and had a relationship with Topshop for several years appears to have been detrimental to our case.
'There was no intention by Topshop to create the appearance of an endorsement or promotion; indeed this tank was one piece of jersey in a heavily stocked and wide-ranging T-shirt department, and we do not believe it conveyed any false message to our customers.
'The Judge acknowledged; 'a very important point in Topshop's favour is that the swing tag and label on the T-shirt makes no mention of Rihanna... There is no express assertion that the garment is authorised by the artist.
'Having received [supplier Knitmania's] full indemnity and view that selling a product with an image of a famous star, such as Rihanna, is simply providing a fashion item, we felt comfortable selling this garment.'
They added that the ruling was 'in spite of T-shirts featuring photographic images being on sale on every UK high street, including many bearing Rihanna's image which have not been authorised by her'.
It's thought the images in question were taken during a video shoot in Northern Island in 2011.
A spokesperson for Rihanna has yet to comment.
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What do you think of Rihanna's Topshop ruling? Were the high street store doing anything wrong? Let us know in the comments box below…
RIHANNA WINS HIGH COURT IMAGE RIGHTS BATTLE AGAINST TOPSHOP
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