Louboutin wins US court appeal in battle over right to red soles
US court rules designer is entitled to trademark fancy footwear's signature contrasting colour
French shoemaker Christian Louboutin can trademark his famous red soles, a United States court has ruled, reversing a previous ruling that had allowed rival Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) to paint its soles scarlet as well.
The case featured two of the fashion world's heaviest hitters in a battle to own the glossy red outsole that Louboutin says is at the heart of its shoes' appeal.
The sexy heels are a favourite among celebrities like Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham.
Last year, a New York federal judge ruled that Louboutin's red accent may be widely recognised, but that it was not enough to prevent competitors from doing the same thing.
But on Wednesday, a US court of appeal overturned the ruling, saying that red soles, in contrast with the colour on the upper part of the shoe, are "entitled to trademark protection".
Louboutin said it was "extremely pleased and gratified that the Appellate Court found our key arguments to be correct".
Meanwhile, the decision was a setback for fellow French luxury brand YSL, which had celebrated in August last year when US District Judge Victor Marrero ruled that Louboutin could not claim a colour as its own.