Yves Saint Laurent Sued By Louboutin Over Trademark Red Soles

Everyone knows that Christian Louboutin is best known for his high heel shoes designed with their trademark red soles. Louboutin went as far as to patent his idea, which forbid other designers from shellacking the soles of their shoes with the same color. So it was surprising when Yves Saint Laurent began to sell a line of footwear that featured the same shiny red soles that Louboutin has become famous for.

Both designers sell high priced heels that appeal to discriminating customers, which is why Louboutin is now suing his rival in court. Louboutin and his legal team contend that consumers are largely unable to distinguish the two designer apart solely based on the color of their soles. This is not the first time that Louboutin has had to enforce his copyright, which was registered in 2007. A few budding entrepreneurs have tried to market their products that were designed to emulate the world renowned Louboutin. While Louboutin has successfully trademarked a specific color, his legal team has found that it is nearly impossible from stopping other designers from copying his work.

Yves Saint Laurent does not believe that it has stolen any of Louboutin's customers although their shoes are frequently sold alongside one another in the same high profile stores. It is likely that the courts will side with Louboutin, considering the fact that each and every one of his designs feature red soles. Although the ruling will not stop other companies from cashing in on the Louboutin craze, at least the judgment may help to slow them down a bit.

25.04.2011. 18:58