从“红鞋底”案看位置商标在中国之未来

Future of Position Marks in China: Talking from the Case "Red Sole"

作为一种新型商标,位置商标特殊之处在于其使用的限定位置。关于位置商标是否符合商标的构成要素、具有可注册性,系殊有争议的问题。在位置商标注册申请中,商标审查及审理机关易将位置商标的标志认定错误,主要原因是对确定商标标志的依据以及商标图样中是否可以包含除标志以外的其他部分存在不同理解,“红鞋底”商标案就鲜明地体现了这些问题。作为单一颜色位置商标,“红鞋底”商标在日后的审查中仍将面临单一颜色商标、实用功能性和美学功能性等难关,直接关涉其命运。

As a new type of trademark, the position mark is unique in its limited position. It is a controversial issue whether the position trademark conforms to the constituent elements of the trademark. It is not sure whether the position trademark has registrability, neither. In the application for registration of position trademarks, the trademark administrative and judicial organs may identify the mark of the position mark incorrectly, due to the different understanding or misunderstanding of the feature or constitution of the mark itself. The judicial case on the mark "Red Sole" of Christian Louboutin reflects those problems clearly. As a single-color position trademark, the trademark "Red Sole" will face challenges such as practical functionality and aesthetic functionality, in the future review in China.