The shoe brand has finally won its decadeslong court battle in China.
Manolo Blahnik has won its 22-year legal battle in China to use its own name.
READ ALSO: 10 Most Mentioned Luxury Brands In Sex And The City
The company said the Supreme People’s Court in China issued the judgment in June to officially conclude the trademark dispute.
Pumped up kicks
This will allow the shoe brand to expand in the country. Currently, it has over 300 locations, including 20 flagship boutiques worldwide.
“This is a meaningful victory for my uncle, our family, and our team. And I want to express gratitude to the Supreme People’s Court of China for its thorough and careful consideration of our long-standing case,” chief executive and the founder’s niece Kristina Blahnik said.
Although the privately owned and family-run company was established since 1970, China uses different intellectual property restrictions.
Other countries like the United States require companies to prove prior use or intent to use a trademark before registration. China, however, checks who was the “first to file.”
In this case, it was Chinese businessman Fang Yuzhou, who was the first person to trademark the name in 1999.
Sex appeal
Manolo Blahnik is named after its Spanish founder.
It describes itself as “known for its original, creative flair, as well as timeless classic styles that see loyal customers, from film stars to leading editors, to women who simply trust his perfectionism, come back again and again.”
The shoes gained popularity as one of the most mentioned luxury brands, if not the most, on the television series Sex and the City.
Special mention goes to Carrie Bradshaw’s Hangisi Manolo Blahnik pumps, which served as Big’s “engagement ring” that she couldn’t say no to.
Banner Photo by HBO via website
