No Yves you can't copy Louboutin red soles
A pair of Christian Louboutin's red-soled shoes
Image by: REUTERS/THINKSTOCK
Image by: REUTERS/THINKSTOCK
A federal appeals court in Manhattan says a distinctive red-soled shoe is entitled to trademark protection in the fashion industry.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday ruled in favour of a French maker of luxury shoes worn by stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Scarlett Johansson and Halle Berry.
The court says Christian Louboutin is entitled to protect its brand against women's shoes with red soles by competitor Yves Saint Laurent S.A.S., another company based in Paris.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2008 had granted the trademark protection to Louboutin.
Louboutin since 1992 has applied glossy vivid red to the outsoles of his fancy women's shoes. The shoes sell for up to $1,000 a pair.
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