A recent ruling by Germany’s top court concluded that Birkenstock sandals, including the iconic Arizona model, are not considered 'applied art' and thus do not warrant copyright protection. This decision is significant for the footwear company as it seeks to combat the proliferation of knockoffs, known colloquially as 'fakenstocks'. Birkenstock's argument centered on their designs being functional yet aesthetically valuable; however, the court found that they lacked the required level of creativity. Birkenstock deemed the ruling a missed opportunity for better copyright protections in Germany.
When most people think of the company, it's their Arizona sandal, which debuted in 1973, that comes to mind - with its double straps, flat soles and signature cork footbed.
Birkenstock in a statement called the ruling 'a missed opportunity for copyright protection in Germany' and said it will 'continue to take tough action against copycats who think they can make money from other people's creative ideas and inventions.'
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