Norwegian artist Sandra Lyng and designer Torunn Valland have secured a legal victory at Asker og Bærum District Court, allowing their outdoor clothing brand, We Are The People, to continue sales without interruption. Rival firm Caya Expo had sought an immediate injunction, alleging copyright and marketing violations.
Court Rejects Caya Expo Injunction Against We Are The People
- Asker og Bærum District Court rejected Caya Expo’s request for a temporary injunction against We Are The People, ruling that the collection does not constitute an illegal imitation under the Marketing Control Act, while CAYA argued that the collection constituted an imitation and alleged violations of the Marketing Control Act and the Copyright Act through law firm Bryn Aarflot, pointing to specific comparable products deemed confusingly similar.
- Caya Expo was ordered to cover We Are The People’s legal costs totaling NOK 279,000, as reported by Nettavisen.
- Lyng faces a separate upcoming trial scheduled for February 1 and 2, 2027, regarding her previous design collaboration on the “Drømmeblusen” blouse with designer Line Biagio Solvang.
Court Rejects Caya Expo Injunction Request
The legal dispute centered on the launch of We Are The People (WATP), an outerwear brand co-owned equally by Sandra Lyng and Torunn Valland. Caya Expo (CAYA), led by Anne Mette Borgersen Nørstrud, initiated legal action ahead of the brand’s release, arguing that WATP illegally mimicked their models, signature details, and overall brand concept through firms like Bryn Aarflot, as detailed by TV 2. However, Asker og Bærum District Court concluded that the statutory requirements for a temporary injunction under the Dispute Act were not met.
In its ruling, the court acknowledged that CAYA’s products may have served as a source of inspiration, but stated that inspiration alone does not cross the line into unlawful imitation under the Marketing Control Act. The judge pointed to distinct differences in overall impressions, noting variations in fit, hood and collar designs, magnetic closures, and Velcro, alongside WATP’s independent logos and embroidery. The court emphasized that shared elements such as oversized puffers, large hoods, and side zippers with branded text represent general fashion trends currently active in the marketplace, with CAYA specifically highlighting a marked contrasting gray side zipper featuring a long, hanging textile ribbon as its established hallmark.
The court also dismissed the likelihood of consumer confusion.
Legal Teams and Principals Respond to the Verdict
The ruling delivered a clean sweep for the defense. Ingrid Wetlesen Davanger, representing We Are The People through law firm Acapo Onsagers, stated that the decision confirms the absence of both unlawful imitation and disloyal conduct, while praising the court’s complete award of legal costs.
Sandra Lyng expressed immense relief over the outcome in statements provided to Dagbladet and Se og Hør, emphasizing the dedication poured into establishing the brand’s unique history and identity. Conversely, CAYA’s legal counsel, Edvard Hagen Aadland, maintained disagreement with the court’s interpretation, telling Nettavisen that the similarities are extensive and systematic. Aadland confirmed that CAYA intends to thoroughly review the ruling to determine subsequent legal steps.
| Party | Legal Representative | Core Position |
|---|---|---|
| We Are The People (Sandra Lyng & Torunn Valland) | Ingrid Wetlesen Davanger (Acapo Onsagers) | Maintains independent design expression; secured full dismissal and NOK 279,000 in legal costs. |
| Caya Expo (Anne Mette Borgersen Nørstrud) | Edvard Hagen Aadland | Argues systematic product mimicry in violation of the Marketing Control Act; reviewing further legal measures. |
Lyng Faces Separate Trial over Drømmeblusen Garment Dispute
The dispute with CAYA represents only one legal hurdle for Lyng. As noted in coverage by Nettavisen, the artist is slated to appear in Oslo District Court on February 1 and 2, 2027. That separate civil suit concerns alleged breaches of a settlement agreement and the Marketing Control Act stemming from an earlier partnership with designer Line Biagio Solvang regarding the “Drømmeblusen” garment. Mediation efforts in September failed to yield a settlement, following an earlier formal letter sent to Valland in January 2024 by Kvale Law Firm on behalf of CAYA demanding the return of technical drawings (tech packs), pattern files, and artwork, given that Torunn Valland worked as a designer for CAYA between 2021 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the market presence of We Are The People remains fully operational following the dismissal of the injunction.
