On Thursday, Jan. 12, CFDA Chairman Thom Browne prevailed in a trademark lawsuit against Adidas over the use of parallel stripes in his designs.

The verdict, in a New York courthouse, is not only a win for Browne, but also an important statement for the fashion industry at large, including aspiring, independent designers building a brand identity around their creative vision.

The Thom Browne company released the following statement: “For over 20 years now, Thom Browne has been a pioneering force in luxury fashion, bringing a wholly unique and distinctive design aesthetic that combines classic tailoring with American sportswear sensibilities. We look forward to continuing to design and provide the creative products that have become the hallmark of the Thom Browne label.”