The competitors, including Tchibo, are alleged to have sold sandals considered to be very similar to the Birkenstock models, violating copyright law, according to Birkenstock’s lawyers who argue the company’s shoes should be considered “works of applied art”. The origins of the sandal go back to the 18th century, and its inventor Johannes Birkenstock according to the company, which is based in Linz am Rhein in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Birkenstock lawyers argue that copyright law gives the sandal’s creators exclusive rights of use, as it would for any artist or creator, whether of written works, computer programmes, or paintings. The Porsche 356 car, another German invention, is also protected by this law, according to a ruling by the court from April 2022. “Under copyright law it has been recognised for decades that outstanding designs of everyday objects can also be protected by copyright,” said Konstantin Wegner, a lawyer for the company.

Source: The Guardian January 09, 2025 20:15 UTC