Social Media Influencer’s Texas Lawsuit Against Rival Could Pave the Way for Future Copyright Cases

A social media influencer who filed a novel lawsuit in the federal Western District of Texas against a competitor she alleges copied her beige aesthetic to market home decor and fashion products is likely to become an influencer of plaintiffs.  

The lawsuit filed by Sydney Nicole Gifford, a former Austin resident who promotes Amazon products, against fellow Austin-area influencer Alyssa Sheil made it past a motion to dismiss last month. Lawyers who spoke with The Texas Lawbook anticipate the suit will serve as a precedent for similar lawsuits.