Patents on the soles of your shoes...: Balenciaga

Showing posts with label Balenciaga. Show all posts

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Oh, patents! Balenciaga Hourglass handbag

Available in an array of sizes, finishes and colors, the Balenciaga Hourglass top handle handbag, with a removable and adjustable, crossbody strap, is a patented design. The US Design patent, USD904014S, titled Handbag, was awarded to Demna Gvasalia, and assigned to Balenciaga, on December 8th, 2020.

The handbag’s designation ’Hourglass’ comes from the curvilinear, hourglass-shaped, bottom of the handbag. The "B" clasp of the marketed handbag is unpatented.

Below, the patent Figures 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 are included, respectively depicting: a front left perspective view of the handbag (Fig. 1), a top view (Fig. 3), and bottom-up view (Fig. 4), a right side view (Fig. 6), and a rearview (Fig. 8). Also included below, four marketed, top handle, Hourglass Balenciaga handbags, small models (L9 x W5.9 x H3.9 inches), in forest green, dark red, navy, and black, shiny crocodile-embossed calfskin, with brass hardware, and the adjustable, removable, crossbody strap, measuring 21.6 inches.

Reference

Balenciaga https://www.balenciaga.com/en-us/

Monday, October 25, 2021

Oh, patents! Balenciaga track shoes

The below-listed luxury sneakers, from the Spanish Basque fashion design house Balenciaga, founded in 1919 by Cristóbal Balenciaga, are patented. The US design patent USD909020S titled Track shoe was awarded to the designer and inventor Demna Gvasalia, on February 2nd 2021, and assigned to Balenciaga.

As a reminder the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO – MPEP)

The patent Figure 5 is included below, together with a few versions of the actually marketed Balenciaga track shoes.

References

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/en-us

USPTO - MPEP – Chapt. 1502-01 – Distinction between design and utility patent
https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1502.html

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Oh, patents! The latest Balenciaga tote

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

The latest, Urban Guerrilla, Graffiti Love, Balenciaga Tote is patented. The US design patent USD801682, titled Handbag was awarded to Isabelle Guichot, former Balenciaga CEO, on November 7, 2017.

As a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

Patent Figure drawings 2 and 6 are included below, respectively showing a front and top view of the handbag, together with an image of the marketed tote.

Note: Just FYI, Balenciaga is a luxury Spanish basque fashion design house, founded in Spain; in 1919, by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

References

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us
Herrmann, F. (Oct. 17, 2017) Oh, patents! Balenciaga Bazar totes
http://patentsonthesolesofyourshoes.blogspot.com/2017/10/balenciaga-bazar-totes.html
Herrmann, F. (Oc.t 16, 2017) Balenciaga's Ikea-inspired tote
http://patentsonthesolesofyourshoes.blogspot.com/2017/10/balenciagas-ikea-inspired-big-blue-tote.html
MPEP – Chapt. 1502-01 – Distinction between design and utility patent
https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1502.html

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Balenciaga Bazar Totes!

The Balenciaga Bazar Tote series celebrates those used in South-East Asian markets. Whether it is in the Philippines where they are called Palengke bags, or Thailand where they are called Sampeng bags, these large versatile totes, made of synthetic polypropylene inspired Balenciaga collections on the 2016 runway.

Are these bags legitimate?

According to the Thai Department of Intellectual Property: "It's unlikely anybody can sue Balenciaga because the materials and shapes are different." (Vogue UK, 2016). Indeed, according to RealStyle (2017), the many upgrades of the Balenciaga Bazar totes, such as the stitching of each individual stripe, the inside lining with leather trimmed pockets, both zippered and patch, as well as the logo, appearing on the front of the Balenciaga Bazar totes, would also preclude it from being considered counterfeit. The point of a counterfeit, according to RealStyle, is for the fake to pass as another brand, so the branded Balenciaga totes are indeed genuine Balenciaga totes.

A point which the voices of dissent (i.e.; of the disenfranchised) might see in a completely different light... since branding and ownership of the design might be argued as precisely the point of contention. As for the stitching of the Balenciaga Bazar totes, which is noticed by those skilled in the art, since the stitching at the perimeter of the bags purposefully appears in white, rather than "tonal" (meaning that the stitches do not blend in), and with a low number of stitches per inch to emulate the cheaper South-East Asian versions, this might precisely be construed as the perfect proof of counterfeit.

However, beyond arguing fake and real, considering the position of the Thai Department of Intellectual Property, the deeper issue that polarizes is that, according to the World Bank, half of the poorest people on earth, living on less than $1.90 a day, are found in South East Asia. The question of legitimacy then could be re-framed as what might be done with the bags.

Original South East Asian market bag

Size, shape, color and material differences...

Reference

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Vogue UK Balenciaga not copying Thai market bag

http://www.vogue.co.uk/article/balenciaga-not-copying-thai-market-bags
RealStyle (2017) From Market to runway: Inside the Balenciaga bazar bag
https://realstyle.therealreal.com/balenciaga-bazar-vs-market-bag/
Wolrd Bank in East Asia & Pacific
http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eap
World Bank - Ending extreme poverty in South East Asia
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2016/10/17/ending-extreme-poverty-in-southeast-asia
World Bank - On poverty
http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview

Monday, October 16, 2017

Balenciaga’s Ikea-inspired big blue tote

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

In Andy Warhol’s tradition of celebrating the mundane Campbell Soup, Balenciaga's big blue tote ($2145) salutes Ikea’s big blue Frakta shopping bag (.99cts)!

What was Ikea's response to the copycat bag, and potential cause for filing an infringement procedure?

Ikea (UK & Ireland) stated they were "extremely flattered to seemingly be an inspiration for the latest catwalk designs for Balenciaga" (Morby, 2017). ACNE, the Swedish ad agency for IKEA, also launched a poster campaign explaining, in 4 points: "How to identify a real IKEA FRAKTA Bag".

Balenciaga's big blue Ikea-inspired tote, and Ikea's advertisement campaign poster, are both included below.

References

ACNE

http://www.acne.se/

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/

Morby, A. (April 26, 2017) IKEA responds to Balenciaga's take on blue tote with spot-the-difference guide

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/04/26/ikea-responds-balenciaga-frakta-blue-bag-spot-difference-guide-design-fashion-news/

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga belt buckle

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

The US design patent USD568789 titled Belt buckle was awarded to Isabelle Guichot, former CEO of the Balenciaga company.

As a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

The drawing Fig. 1 on file with the patent is included below with an image of the marketed, belt with belt buckle, product.

Reference
Balenciaga
https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga single knot cuff

The Balenciaga line of jewelry includes this patented single knot cuff that comes in many variations. The US patent awarded for this design, to Isabelle Guichot, former Balenciaga CEO, is USD730765 titled Bracelet.

As a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

A figure drawing of the design on file for the patent, and an image of the marketed Balenciaga product, called the single knot cuff, in silver and gold, are included below.

Reference

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Friday, October 13, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga perfume bottle (2)

This patented Balenciaga perfume bottle is used to market the Balenciaga B line of products, which includes perfume and makeup. The US design patent awarded to Isabelle Guichot, former Balenciaga CEO, is USD734164, titled Perfume bottle.

As a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

Figure 1, on file for the US design patent, is included below with images (from top to bottom) of the Balenciaga B makeup bottle, Balenciaga B Intense and Balenciaga B Skin perfume bottles, including packaging.

Reference

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga perfume bottle (1)

Balenciaga US design patent USD718639 titled Perfume Bottle was awarded to Isabelle Guichot, former Balenciaga CEO. This patented perfume bottle design is used to market the Balenciaga perfume called Flora Botanica.

As a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

Figure 9, on file for the US design patent, and an image of the marketed Balenciaga Flora Botanica perfume bottle and packaging, are included below.

Reference
Balenciaga
https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga shoe

This Balenciaga shoe is patented! The US design patent USD754955, titled Shoe, was awarded to Isabelle Guichot, the former Balenciaga CEO. A figure drawing on file for this US design patent, and an image of the marketed product are included below.

As a reminder the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

References

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga FW17 Triple-S sneaker

The Triple-S Balenciaga sneaker comes hot-off-the-Paris-FW17-runway!

This sneaker has 3 soles stacked together, and lots of distressed features. The three stacked soles bring together molds for the soles of running, basketball and track footwear, into one visual composite!

Below, a pix of the Balenciaga Triple-S, and a video showing the three soles coming together!

Never mind the price tag, just enjoy the fusion aesthetics!

Reference

Balenciaga

https://www.balenciaga.com/us

Monday, October 9, 2017

Oh, patents! Balenciaga Race Runner Sneaker

The Race Runner Sneaker is brought to you by the century-old, Spanish Basque, luxury fashion and shoe design company, Balenciaga.

The Race Runnier Sneaker is patented. The US design patent USD737552 titled Sneaker was awarded to the Isabelle Guichot, the recently exiting Balenciaga CEO.

Just as a reminder, the difference between a US design patent and a US utility patent is the following:

“a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a "design patent" protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171)” (USPTO)

Figure 1, on file for the US patented design, is included with an image of the marketed product, called the Balenciaga Road Runner Sneaker.

Reference
Balenciaga
https://www.balenciaga.com/us