Trump's sneakers may earn him an additional ... lawsuit

[Callisto]

Anyone notice those red soles on the bottom of Trump's MAGA sneakers (made in CHI-nah)? Turns out that may be trademark infringement. Louboutin owns the trademark for red sole shoes and has already gone after many other companies for trademark infringement. (Yes, colors can be trademarked.)

Originally, the trademark pertained to red soles on women's shoes but red soles have become synonymous with the Louboutin brand. Its signature red bottoms extend to its other footwear which includes red-sole sneakers for men and women. Trump's sneakers are also marketed for men and women.

Fashion Law.com - Are Donald Trump’s Red Soled Sneakers a Lawsuit in the Making?

eta typo

 

[Revoltingest]

That seems a ridiculous thing to trademark.

 

[Twilight Hue]

That seems a ridiculous thing to trademark.

I don't even think they can succeed, although it does remind me of past lawsuits with John Deere and their trademark green paint.

 

[Revoltingest]

I don't even think they can succeed, although it does remind me of past lawsuits with John Deere and their trademark green paint.

Do you know the story behind why John Deeres are green?

 

[Twilight Hue]

Do you know the story behind why John Deeres are green?

Nope. The color hasnt really piqued my interest any.

 

[Guitar's Cry]

While I love to see Donald Trump facing criminal prosecution because he is a narcissistic shyster, I am not a fan of trademarking something so generic as red-soled shoes.

 

[Revoltingest]

Nope. The color hasnt really piqued my interest any.

Their tractors are green so they
can hide in the weeds to watch
the red (IHC) tractors go by.

It's tractor humor.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Anyone notice those red soles on the bottom of Trump's MAGA sneakers (made in CHI-nah)? Turns out that may be trademark infringement. Louboutin owns the trademark for red sole shoes and has already gone after many other companies for trademark infringement. (Yes, colors can be trademarked.)

Originally, the trademark pertained to red soles on women's shoes but red soles have become synonymous with the Louboutin brand. Its signature red bottoms extend to its other footwear which includes red-sole sneakers for men and women. Trump's sneakers are also marketed for men and women.

Fashion Law.com - Are Donald Trump’s Red Soled Sneakers a Lawsuit in the Making?

eta typo

I have Puma basketball shoes that have red soles. This sounds like nonsense and will probably be thrown out. The trademark should be thrown out, too. Trademarking a color, good grief.

 

[Callisto]

I don't even think they can succeed, although it does remind me of past lawsuits with John Deere and their trademark green paint.

Some examples of previous cases:

• Major Louboutin Win in Trademark Infringement Case: Red Soles Are a Trademark
• Christian Louboutin wins ECJ ruling over red-soled shoes
• Louboutin wins trademark case against Chinese company
• Christian Louboutin wins Indian trademark battle
• Brazil: Christian Louboutin succeeds with unregistered rights

To be fair, it wouldn't necessarily be worth going after Trump on this. His sneakers are gaudy crap from an Asian sweatshop that no one would ever mistake for a Louboutin product.

 

[Mock Turtle]

Red for the blood of the vanquished (designated enemies) of course.

 

[Callisto]

I have Puma basketball shoes that have red soles. This sounds like nonsense and will probably be thrown out. The trademark should be thrown out, too. Trademarking a color, good grief.

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The Lanham Act And Color Trademarks

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

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The Lanham Act And Color Trademarks

Still think it's stupid. I think they should only be allowed to trademark something they've actually come up with themselves. They didn't invent those colors, so they have no right to say they own it. The US has a lot of dumb laws.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Still think it's stupid. I think they should only be allowed to trademark something they've actually come up with themselves. They didn't invent those colors, so they have no right to say they own it. The US has a lot of dumb laws.

It is not just the US. This appears to be an international case.

I was about to argue in favor of Trump with three facts, Louboutin. Luckily I checked out their website. Louboutin only does high end women's shoes. Oops, wrong, they do men's too. Louboutin only does high end dress shoes. Ooops, I would have been wrong again. They sneakers as well. Well Louboutin has a specific color of red. And three strikes and I would have been out. They have a different shade of red on their sneakers since one cannot use that same red in soft rubber.

But now the good news for Trump fans. Not to worry. They are already "sold out" and Trump does not even need to deliver any of them.

Donald Trump sneakers fine print raises questions

Trump launched a range of sneakers on Saturday but critics are urging potential customers to read the fine print.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Soandso]

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The Lanham Act And Color Trademarks

Don't forget doc martins with their yellow stitching...

 

[ChristineM]

That seems a ridiculous thing to trademark.

When you're drawing in up to £1500 a pair you need to make sure there are no cheap knockoffs for sale.

 

[Revoltingest]

When you're drawing in up to £1500 a pair you need to make sure there are no cheap knockoffs for sale.

Enforceability is questionable.

 

[ChristineM]

Enforceability is questionable.

Louboutin have won a number of similar cases, see post #9

 

[Revoltingest]

Louboutin have won a number of similar cases, see post #9

A perusal of several links suggests that it's not
just the color red. It's a particular red with a
particular gloss, on particular shoes....shoes
that are very different from Trump's.
Market confusion appears to be the issue.

 

[ChristineM]

A perusal of several links suggests that it's not
just the color red. It's a particular red with a
particular gloss, on particular shoes....shoes
that are very different from Trump's in function.
And far less ugly.

That's not how i read them, it's red soles that are trademarked.

 

[Revoltingest]

That's not how i read them, it's red soles that are trademarked.

Have you seen the actual trademark?
I still find it hard to believe the the company
could singularly own the right to every shade
of red for every shoe's sole.

BTW, this was the actor, "Red Buttons".