Cătălin Botezatu and Eli Lăslean Clash in Bitter Public Feud

Fashion designer Eli Lăslean publicly accused Cătălin Botezatu of intellectual property infringement over the promotional campaign for the “Ellis Collection by Cătălin Botezatu,” according to a public statement issued by the founder of the ELLIS brand. Lăslean stated that she established the brand in 1991 and registered the trademark with OSIM in 1992, arguing that the newer collection overlaps with her 35-year-old fashion identity and threatens market clarity.

Eli Lăslean Alleges Trademark Conflict and Professional Disrespect

According to her public letter, Lăslean expressed surprise and deep disappointment regarding the promotion of Botezatu’s collection. She argued that a brand represents decades of accumulated work, sacrifices, and reputation rather than just a name. “I choose to defend my rights through legal channels because I believe Romania needs a fashion industry built on creativity, ethics, and mutual respect, not on confusion between brands,” Lăslean stated, adding that the situation caused her a physical health shock resulting in burst blood vessels in her eyes during a television appearance on România TV.

Cătălin Botezatu Rejects Accusations and Cites Existing Arad Brand

In a direct response published by Actualitate.net, Cătălin Botezatu dismissed the allegations entirely, characterizing Lăslean’s actions as a bid for public attention from a fading career. Botezatu pointed to the existence of another entity, “Elis Collection Blănuri,” a fur brand established eight years prior in Arad—the same city where Lăslean resides—arguing that Lăslean was well aware of its market presence. “She holds on to things that have no essence and no connection to her brand,” Botezatu told Actualitate.net, criticizing what he termed hypocrisy and staging for dramatic effect.

Legal and Intellectual Property Frameworks in Romanian Fashion

While Lăslean maintains her rights date back to the early 1990s under the ELLIS name, Botezatu’s defense relies on the prior coexistence of registered entities like the Arad fur collection operating under similar phonetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the ELLIS brand established?

According to founder Eli Lăslean, the brand was created in 1991 and its trademark was registered with OSIM in 1992.

What specific collection triggered the dispute?

The conflict arose over the promotion of the “Ellis Collection by Cătălin Botezatu,” which Lăslean claims infringes upon her brand’s identity.

How did Cătălin Botezatu respond to the allegations?

Botezatu rejected the claims in an interview with Actualitate.net, citing the prior existence of an eight-year-old fur brand named Elis based in Arad and alleging that Lăslean manufactured the controversy for publicity.

What legal steps is Eli Lăslean pursuing?

Lăslean announced her intention to defend her brand rights through official legal channels.