Christian Louboutin Is Hoarding Design Patents

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Christian Louboutin's patent efforts are still going strong long after the brand's landmark lawsuit regarding its iconic red soles. The Fashion Law reports that the shoe designer has been piling up patents for all components of its footwear. Last month, Louboutin was reportedly awarded design patent protection for the spiked toe designs featured in many of the brand's shoes.

At least 10 other Louboutin design elements are patented, according to The Fashion Law, and most of these were issued this year after being filed approximately 3 years ago. Among these protected styles are the spiked Tassilo flat, and various lace-up boots, strappy heels, and studded flats.

All these legal maneuverings are an effort to stem the tides of fast fashion copies, and brands like Jimmy Choo, YSL, Celine, and Balenciaga are filing design patents of their own too. The Fashion Law post reads: "As blatant copying by fast fashion retailers and other footwear-specific brands, such as Steve Madden and the like, has become increasingly commonplace, brands that can afford it have begun to place significant reliance on design patents."