The company claimed that their shoes can be classified as art and therefore are protected by copyright laws. Birkenstock first released the Original Birkenstock-Footbed Sandal in 1963, featuring a ...

Germany’s Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Birkenstock against the company’s rival imitators, ruling that the iconic sandals worn by everyone from Leonardo ...

Birkenstock sandals are displayed in Birkenstock store in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Can the sandals be considered art? That's what Germany's Federal Court of Justice had to ...

The shoe company argued its sandals "are copyright-protected works of applied art" that may not be imitated - in an effort to try and stop copy-cat sellers. The Birkenstock sandal is recognisable ...

But a judge dismissed the claim, saying the shoes were practical design items - a decision Birkenstock called a "missed opportunity for the protection of intellectual property". The firm's shoes ...

But can these sandals be considered art? That’s the question Germany’s Federal Court of Justice wrestled with Thursday, and it ruled they’re just comfy footwear. Birkenstock, which is ...

Germany's top court ruled against Birkenstock's attempt to define its famous sandals as works of art, denying the footwear enhanced copyright protections. The court sided with competitors like Tchibo ...

Frankfurt (Germany) (AFP) – They may be the trendy footwear of choice for Hollywood A-listers and pop stars, but Birkenstock sandals are not works of art, Germany's top court ruled Thursday.

FILE -A Birkenstock sandal is pictured in Birkenstock store in Frankfurt, Germany, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File) ...