Manolo Blahnik wins decades-long legal battle in China after trademark dispute: the shoemaker was made famous by Sex and the City, and joins Disney and Nike’s NBA star Michael Jordan in copyright victories

Jul 21 , 2022

Manolo Blahnik is named after its founder, Spanish fashion designer Manuel “Manolo” Blahnik Rodríguez. Photo: Reuters

In 2000, the luxury shoemaker sued a rival in China using its name, but it’s taken more than two decades to win the case – now it can finally enter the Chinese market

The Italian designer, Manolo Blahnik, and his niece, Kristina Blahnik, have expressed their joy; Disney experienced something similar with their film, Cars

Luxury shoemaker Manolo Blahnik announced on July 19 they had won a 22-year legal battle in China over a trademark dispute, after the country’s top court ruled in its favour.

The dispute started when a competitor started calling itself “Manolo & Blahnik” in 1999, a move approved by the Chinese authorities a year later.

Manolo Blahnik’s brand in China was scuppered by a company calling itself Manolo & Blahnik. Photo: Reuters

The British company, named after the company’s founder and creative director, filed suit with the Chinese authorities in 2000.

Part of the problem, however, was that the Chinese system favours a first-come, first-served principle in the registering of trademarks.

Manolo Blahnik was founded in 1970 and the brands shoes have been featured in numerous TV shows and films. Photo: Reuters

The case has only now been resolved by the Supreme People’s Court of China.

“We are truly humbled and grateful for the support we have received in China and internationally, both from within the fashion industry and beyond,” said Spanish designer Blahnik in a company statement.

Famous shoe designer Mr Manolo Blahnik has waited 20 years to enter the China market. Photo: SCMP Archive

Blahnik’s creations are known the world over, especially after they were one of the luxury accessories featured in the hit television series Sex and the City.