#Ivanka #Trump in #Trademark Lawsuit with Luxury #Shoe Brand
Los Angeles – Ivanka Trump has been called out for infringing one of Aquazzura’s most popular shoe designs and renaming it as her own. Italian-based luxury shoe brand Aquazzura recently alleging trade dress infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices against Trump. Since Trump did not respond to the initial accusations, Aquazzura filed a trade dress infringement lawsuit against her, her company IT Collection, and her licensee Marc Fischer.
The footwear in question made by Aquazzura that was allegedly copied is called “Wild Thing.” Trump’s version is called “Hettie.” Side by side the two shoes look almost identical, including details like the shape of the shoe, the fringe on the toes, and the tassel at the heel. Trade dress is a form of trademark protection that extends to the overall commercial image of a product that identifies the source of the product and distinguishes it from those of others. Trade dress may include the design, shape or configuration of a product.
This is not the first time Aquazzura has claimed that Trump has “copied” its designs. The lawsuit claims that at least two more of its shoe designs have been copied. Trump’s “Teagin Pointy Toe Pump with Tassel” looks very similar to Aquazzura’s “Forever Marilyn Shoe” as does Trump’s “Necila” compared side-by-side with Aquazzura’s “Belgravia.” According to the Italian brand, Trump and her company know exactly what they are doing. In today’s fashion retail market, fringe sandals are very popular this season, and Trump is looking to profit off the in-demand shoe style.
Aquazzura, a brand that is stocked by luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus, was launched in 2011 and founded by Colombian-born designer Edgardo Osorio. In addition to heels like “Wild Thing,” the Florence-based brand designs and sells luxury footwear including sandals, flats, booties, and wedges. The name Aquazzura was inspired by the blue seas of Italy where the company is based. Aquazzura alleges that has a well-known style of shoes, which clearly demand a premium since the “Wild Thing” shoe will set you back $700. By contrast, Trump’s “Hettie” is a veritable bargain at only $145.