Victory has been claimed…by both parties? The long running suit between two fashion greats has finally come to a conclusion, but not quite an end. Judge Cabranes (the 2nd judge on the case) ruled, “The contrast between the sole and the upper that causes the sole to ‘pop’ and to distinguish its creator [Louboutin].”The judge, Cabranes, which has taken over the case, has ruled in favor or both companies. He has agreed that YSL can only produce and distribute shoes with red soled bottoms if the whole shoe is red, and Louboutin gets to keep his trademark of having a red soled bottom when the rest of the shoe is of a different color, allowing him to keep that “pop.” It is that “pop” that distinguishes him from other designers, such as YSL. Louboutin’s lawyer, Harley Lewin said, “The brand is tremendously pleased, [allowing Louboutin] to protect a life’s work as the same is embodied in the red sole found on his women’s luxury shoes.”
I have a feeling this is not the last we will hear from Louboutin on this subject. But, major fashion law headway has been made!