It was announced on September 5th that Christian Louboutin has aquired a monopoly on high-heeled red-soled shoes.
‘We…conclude that Louboutin’s trademark, consisting of a red, lacquered outsole on a high fashion woman’s shoe, has acquired limited “secondary meaning” as a distinctive symbol that identifies the Louboutin brand… We limit the trademark to uses in which the red outsole contrasts with the color of the remainder of the shoe… We conclude that the trademark, as thus modified, is entitled to trademark protection’.
(United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit)
Little did they know it, but music stars such as Lady Gaga, J-Lo and Madonna, who regualarly wear the statement shoes at highly publicised events, no doubt helped push this ruling through. The ruling confirms that the red-sole look has gained a “secondary meaning” in the world of fashion which singularily associates it with Christian Louboutin’s fashion line. This is certainly due to the popularity of the shoes amongst several famous music stars.
It would seem Christian has some very high-profile thank you letters to send!
