A SMALL business is facing legal action from one of the biggest fashion brands in the world and it is absolutely unsurprising that so many have been left outraged.

Today, The Northern Echo has revealed that the owner of Darlington-based House of Zana, Amber Kottri faces a legal battle to keep her company name.

She has described her genuine fear of collapse as she says she could end up being forced to plough thousands into a rebrand if she loses the fight.

House of Zana is an independent retailer helping to boost the profile of one of the North East's biggest high streets.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

She says her firm's branding poses "no threat" nor leads anyone to confuse her name with the giant, something ZARA argues.

So perhaps it speaks for itself that many businesses and individuals on social media across the region, the UK and even Europe, have condemned the actions.

Some also appear to have been left scratching their heads as to whether the words of "House of Zana" could be confused with ZARA.

Meanwhile, similar forms of support in favour of ZARA's decision do not quite appear to be even-handed.

Maybe this reaction is their first real warning against the potential alienation of North East consumers in their big quest to consign the House of Zana name to history.

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