Handle Your Scandal: Christian Louboutin Sues YSL For $1 Million for Ripoff

Friday, April 8, 2011

Red bottoms have been Christian Louboutin‘s trademark since 1992 and he’s taking action to protect his sole. The shoemaker is suing YSL for $1 million for allegedly copying that signature design element.

According to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan Federal Court on Thursday, YSL started selling a version of the red bottom shoe in January 2011 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. Have any of you spotted it?

The lawsuit reads: “Defendants use of red footwear outsoles that are virtually identical to plaintiff’s Red Sole Mark is likely to cause and is causing confusion, mistake and deception among the relevant purchasing public as to the origin of the infringing footwear.”

Apparently, Louboutin has asked YSL to stop selling the shoes several times. I’m assuming that after they didn’t comply, Louboutin took the issue to court.

We’ve written about how knockoffs are rampant in the fashion industry and Louboutin went to great lengths including a fashion film to stop his designs from being copied. But is he fighting a losing battle?

In his defense, since YSL has been around longer and is arguably a bigger brand, they could confuse people into thinking they originated the signature. And the red bottom is Louboutin’s (genius) creation, through and through.

Who do you side with in this scandal? YSL or Christian Louboutin? Should Louboutin sue? Is $1 million an astronomical amount? Sound off!

Kisses,

Coutura

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Posted in Fashion

About the Author

is a suburban girl who left a quiet Jersey town to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist and somehow ended up in the wonderful world of fashion. On any given day, you'll find Glamazon Jessica blogging like a madwoman, adding to her collection of Louboutins, interviewing celebs and sneaking off to as many fashion events as possible---all while having the time of her life.

2 Comments

  1. Jen Vellom says:
    September 1, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I side with Christian, he should have gone for 10mil! Protect the right to invent and trademark, better products will arise and we will be teaching our children to be innovators!!!

  2. GLAM or SHAM: Kim Kardashian in Slouchy Basil Soda Pants « Glamazons Blog says:
    April 13, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    [...] wore Christian Louboutin heels (of course) and slouchy pants by Basil [...]