Cartier Has Legal Protection for LOVE

A French court recently ruled in favor of Cartier in their lawsuit against Goussin, a London-based jeweler, affirming the luxury brand’s trademark rights over the word “LOVE” and its stylized marks. The court found that Goussin’s use of “LOVE” wasn’t just ornamental, but acted as a brand identifier, creating a risk of consumer confusion and infringing on Cartier’s trademark.

This case serves as a strong reminder that even widely used words can be legally protected when they’re deeply connected to a brand’s identity. While this ruling centers on jewelry, it also raises key considerations for the footwear industry, where brands often integrate familiar words and motifs into their designs.

This case is a strong reminder: even widely used words can be legally protected when they’re deeply tied to a brand’s identity. And while this ruling centers on jewelry, it raises key considerations for the footwear industry as footwear brands often incorporate familiar words and motifs into their designs.

The takeaway? Even common words can hold powerful trademark protections when they’re deeply tied to a brand’s identity.

Questions about footwear IP? Collaborating with a footwear subject matter expert is crucial. My background in working with major international brands equips me to provide insightful analysis and testimony in such cases.

If you're involved in footwear IP litigation and require expert guidance, let's connect to discuss how I can support your case.