German Court Rules Birkenstock Sandals Not Eligible for Copyright Protection

In a significant decision by Germany’s Federal Court of Justice (BGH), the attempt by Birkenstock to copyright their iconic sandals has been unsuccessful. The court ruled that the design of these popular sandals, favored by wearers ranging from Leonardo DiCaprio to Barbie, does not meet the requirements to be considered a copyright-protected work of applied art. This legal battle involved prominent law firms, including Hogan Lovells and SKW Schwarz. Judge Thomas Koch stated, “The claims are unfounded because they are not copyright-protected works of applied art.” For further details on this ruling, visit the original article.