"This whole notion that you'd grant a patent to anyone who adds a seam or two to a waistband is quite problematic, " said Ilse Metchek, the president of the California Fashion Association, a trade group that represents some manufacturers, domestic and international garment suppliers, and others close to the fashion industry.
Woo is deputy chairman of Hong Kong-based internationalfashion brand distributor Lane Crawford Joyce Group, the retail brands of which include Lane Crawford, Joyce and Pedder Group.