Chanel defends its slingbacks against Jonak imitations

On 16 October, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Chanel in a dispute with the French footwear brand Jonak, thus settling a case that began in 2020.

 

The dispute arose in December of that year, when Chanel sued Jonak for parasitism before the Paris Commercial Court. Chanel claimed that Jonak ignored a cease and desist letter sent in May 2020 and continued to sell two-tone beige and black slingbacks and sandals that imitated Chanel's original designs, which caused confusion among consumers and allowed Jonak to unfairly profit from the luxury brand's reputation. The design in question is Chanel's iconic 'slingback', created in 1957 and characterised by its beige leather base, black toe cap, moderate block heel and straps that wrap around the sides and back of the foot. 

 

Chanel supported its argument with a survey showing that a significant proportion of respondents identified Jonak's products as inspired by, or even owned by, Chanel. Although the Commercial Court dismissed some of the claims, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the luxury brand.

 

The Paris Court of Appeal concluded that these practices were an attempt to exploit Chanel's reputation for commercial gain. It ordered Jonak to pay €150,000 in economic damages and an additional €30,000 in moral damages. Jonak was also ordered to cease the production, distribution and sale of the infringing models within 30 days, to remove any promotional content suggesting an association with Chanel and to destroy the remaining stock. Otherwise, Jonak will be fined €1,000 per day.