Christian Louboutin unsuccessful battles

Christian Louboutin have released a statement clarifying that they still own "valid and enforcable trademark rights" to the red sole, despite recent unsuccessful court battles.

Christian Louboutin would like to make it very clear that despite recent unsuccessful court battles suggesting otherwise, they still very much own the trademark to their Pantone-18 'Chinese Red' soles.

In a statement released by Louboutin yesterday, the company stated: "Recent commentary in various articles from newspapers and blogs regarding the French court decision in the Zara case...either implies or states that through this ruling we have lost our rights to our world-famous red-sole trademark. We would like to clarify that what has been disputed and canceled is only one French registration of the trademark." Adding that they "continue to own valid and enforceable trademark rights...throughout the world" and "will continue to protect and enforce [the trademark's] rights."

The clarification comes a week after Louboutin unsuccessfully attempted to sue high-street chain Zara for selling a red-soled shoe similar to their 'Yo Yo' style. A French court ruled that "there was no proven risk of confusion between Louboutin's shoes and the Zara pair", and ordered Louboutin to pay Zara £2,016. It was the climax of a case which had rumbled on for a year.

Meanwhile, Louboutin are still ploughing ahead with their battle to stop Yves Saint Laurent from selling red-soled shoes - which first appeared in YSL's Resort 2011 collection. The Manhattan court of Appeal's decision on whether or not to grant a preliminary injunction against YSL is expected this summer.