Vuitton & Balance reach settlement over shoe design

21 Dec '09

1 min read

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. and Louis Vuitton Malletier, owners of some of the word's best-known trademarks and designs, have resolved the suit filed by New Balance concerning its iconic 574 model shoe and the design of Louis Vuitton's Minstrel shoe. Louis Vuitton acknowledges that New Balance owns valid and protectable rights in the 574 trade dress, and the lawsuit has been dismissed.

Michael Pantalony, Director of Civil Enforcement, North America, for Louis Vuitton, said, “We are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution of this matter with New Balance. In the interest of reaching a resolution with New Balance, Louis Vuitton has discontinued selling the Minstrel shoe. Respecting and protecting the integrity of intellectual property is essential, and is a top priority for Louis Vuitton.”

Ed Haddad, Vice President of Intellectual Property for New Balance, said, “We appreciate Louis Vuitton's cooperation in promptly resolving this matter. Both companies are united in the fight to protect intellectual property. Based on our experience in resolving this issue and understanding what we both share in protecting intellectual property, we now hope to explore joining forces with Louis Vuitton in certain anti-counterfeiting initiatives.”

New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc

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