Intellectual Property Archive

Yes, I’m defending Paris Hilton

January 13th, 2010. By AbiK

I’ll say it again: Yes, I’m defending Paris Hilton.

Paris has been slapped with an infringement lawsuit over her Paris Hilton shoes’ insole cushion. They’re heart-shaped. And wouldn’t you know, Gwyneth Shoes has very similar insoles—so similar, in fact, that they claim Paris stole the idea!

Now, admittedly, I don’t have the inside scoop on where and how Paris’ biz team gets their ideas—though as with every celebrity product launch we continue to hear how “closely involved” or “hands on” Paris is in the “complete” design-manufacture-marketing process for her shoes. Yeah. Ok.

But, here’s where I’m coming from. First, you can buy heart-shaped insoles (see pic) from Foot Petals. Secondly, have you seen Gwyneth’s lineup of shoes? No? If you’ve seen Paris’ shoes, Jessica Simpson’s shoes, Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry, and even Payless, you’ve basically seen Gwyneth’s lineup. Note also, you won’t find Gwyneth on zappos.com, shoes.com or piperlime.com either.

So here’s my bet: Gwyneth saw an opportunity and took it. Think about it, I’d never write about or stop by Gwyneth shoes’ website if it hadn’t been for Paris Hilton. So unless something comes out in the wash here, I’m saying drop it. And Gwyneth can shoot Paris a thank-you email for the bump in their traffic number for January 2010 vs. prior month…year…all-time history…

I don’t find myself in Paris’ court too often, but on this one, yes, I’m defending Paris Hilton.

Tags: Infringement, Paris Hilton, Trademark Infringement
Posted in Intellectual Property | 4 Comments »