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Jimmy Choo obtains favourable settlement against Office

03 April 2008

Office, the High Street footwear retailer, has agreed to pay almost £7,500 and destroy over 1300 pairs of shoes after Jimmy Choo claimed that Office had copied its famous “Metallic Framed” heel.

Office agreed to pay the sum and destroy the unsold shoes bearing the heel without any admission of liability.

The iconic heel is seen on a number of Jimmy Choo’s styles each season, and has been sported on red carpets across the globe by a host of famous celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez.

Hannah Merritt, Head of Legal at Jimmy Choo commented:

“The Metallic Framed heel is one of Jimmy Choo’s most important “signatures.” It is very distinctive and we will not tolerate copies being sold. The design was created by our talented design team and is unique to us. We are delighted to have obtained a favourable settlement in this case. We will continue to protect our novel designs in the future wherever possible.”

Rachael Parman, solicitor at Shoosmiths, Jimmy Choo’s legal advisers said:

“This is an important case because it highlights the effective use of the Community design laws in the fashion industry. The law protects the appearance of both the whole of a product or part of it. A distinctive design of a heel of a shoe is as likely to infringe a designer’s rights as copying an entire shoe. It is important for the fashion industry to realise that parts of products can gain design right protection, which is particularly important if that part is a “signature” for that brand.”

This is the latest case in the UK highlighting the upcoming use of the Community design laws in the fashion industry. Jimmy Choo has successfully taken action against a number of high street retailers in recent years, including New Look, Warehouse, Oasis and Jane Shilton. Other fashion houses are now following suit, a clear indication that the protection offered to designers by the Community design laws is being used to maximum effect.

For further information please contact:
Name: Rachael Parman
Phone: 08700 868494
Email: rachael.parman@shoosmiths.co.uk

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