The dispute is more substantive than it appears, pitting Star Athletica against Varsity Brands, doctor strange costume both manufacturers of clothing for young athletes — or in this case cheerleaders. The eight justices have been asked to define copyright limits in an unusual case that poses the question: Can the design of a cheerleader’s outfit be protected by rights of authorship? Star Athletica maintains the opposite. Varsity, the market leader, accuses its smaller rival Star Athletica of copying certain of its cheerleader costumes.
