Are Birkenstock Sandals Art?

The case of Birkenstock sandals and their potential recognition as works of art is being examined by the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe.

Birkenstock argues that the designs of its sandals, such as the Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh, and Boston models, constitute applied art and are protected by copyright. The company has filed lawsuits against competitors selling similar sandals.

Lawyer Konstantin Wegner, representing Birkenstock, emphasizes that copyright law recognizes protection for object designs, such as Bauhaus lamps, furniture by Le Corbusier, and a Porsche model.

Although initially, Birkenstock sandals were not widely accepted, they are now considered popular, and the company seeks their recognition as works of art, with copyright protection for 70 years after the creator's death.