Hello everyone, today I won't be filming a video segment for you all. Instead, I'll share some common brand knowledge. Recently, one of my foreign trade clients in the footwear industry kept receiving emails about website copyright infringement. Upon closer investigation, I realized this might be a common practice domestically, but internationally it involves significant patent issues. Here's what happened.
It turns out that Birkenstock, as a century-old German brand, has recently faced frequent "tributes" from other brands, prompting it to strengthen design protection through legal means. For example, in 2023, Birkenstock applied for design patents on its classic shoe models, citing similarities in design elements with brands like Balenciaga and Off-White's sandals—even direct "modifications" of shoe shapes or materials—which caused market confusion. Although Birkenstock claims its iconic footbed design has artistic value, in 2025 Germany's Supreme Court ruled that its sandals, being primarily functional, couldn't enjoy copyright protection, creating some obstacles against counterfeit products. However, the brand hasn't given up. It now safeguards its rights through trademarks, design rights, and other means while accelerating global expansion (e.g., opening its first pop-up store in China) and high-end collaborations (e.g., with Dior and Valentino) to enhance brand distinctiveness. Birkenstock's protection strategy isn't just legal warfare—it's a dual effort to reinforce brand value and market influence.
For those creating similar independent websites later, if naming rights are unclear, contact me anytime! I'll navigate the legal waters for you!
If you have any questions about foreign trade website development or operations, feel free to consult EasyOperate technical support via WeChat: Ieyingbao18661939702. Our team will sincerely assist you!
Image sources are from the internet. For copyright concerns, contact 400-655-2477
