Louboutin brushes off French court defeat



Emma Barraclough and James Nurton, London


A recent adverse decision in France does not mean it has lost the rights to its famous red-sole trademark, Christian Louboutin claimed this week

In a statement sent to Managing IP, the shoe company said: “We would like to clarify that what has been disputed and canceled is only one French registration of said Red sole Trademark.”

It added: “Christian Louboutin continues to own valid and enforceable trademark rights in its Red Sole Trademark, including in France itself as well as throughout the world. A number of court decisions have recognized the strong association between Christian Louboutin and the Red Sole Trademark, including in France.”

The Fashionista blog reported this week that a French court had rejected Louboutin’s claim brought against high street retailer Zara, and also ordered the French fashion company to pay €2,500 in compensation.

The blog added that the judge has yet to rule on the validity of the red sole trade mark.

When contacted by Managing IP, Zara said it would not comment on the case.

Louboutin is also in a dispute with Yves Saint Laurent in the United State over its red sole mark.

In its statement, the company said it will continue to protect and enforce its rights in the red sole trade mark, which had been its “iconic signature” for 20 years.




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