DAVID BRIDGEMAN

How Much Originality Is Enough? Exploring Copyright Protection in the Age of Shared Aesthetics

In a decision this year from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Woodland v Hill, the court addressed a question that’s increasingly relevant in today’s visually driven,…

Can Birkenstock Sandals Really Be Protected by Copyright? A Dutch Court Thinks So

A recent Dutch first-instance judgment has reignited the debate over whether fashion designs—especially utilitarian items like shoes—can qualify for copyright protection across the EU. In a surprising move, the District…

Is Dr Martens’ Yellow Stitching Really That Distinctive? The Brussels Court of Appeal Thinks So

On 30 September 2025, the Brussels Court of Appeal handed down an important decision for trade mark law enthusiasts and brand owners alike, finding that the yellow stitching and sole…