Photography by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Thought your red soles were the last thing that set your Loubs apart from the rest? Well, think again. Yesterday, Judge Victor Marrero denied shoe-design demigod Christian Louboutin from holding the claim on the shade from Yves Saint Laurent, who had manufactured similarly soled models. The brand battle started up earlier this year when Louboutin filed a lawsuit against YSL for producing the heels, which it felt infringed on an established signature.
Although Louboutin won a trademark in order to protect its precious red soles back in 2008, it wasn’t enough to anchor a victory this time around. Other companies, such as Tiffany & Co., do hold rights to colour; however, the context is a bit different. Tiffany’s signature blue box is limited to packaging and doesn’t affect the creative input or design of actual products. The judge’s decision is really only the beginning, as he ordered the parties to return to court next week. It seems that he would like to reconsider the issuing of Louboutin’s trademark altogether and possibly have it revoked.
What could this cancellation mean in the grand scheme of things? We can only imagine the flood of high-street knockoffs that would follow suit. Louboutins have become instantly recognizable and immensely popular among the masses—frequently photographed on celebs and featured in shows like Sex and the City. That being said, one brand having a monopoly over a colour just isn’t fair to the creative aspirations of other designers. The court even compared the case to an imaginary suit between Monet and Picasso. One artist claiming rights over the colour blue, despite distinct artistic visions, just seems a bit absurd.
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By Gillian Pryor and Meagan Wilson
