Puma has suffered a setback in a patent dispute over a sports shoe associated with Rihanna, according to a press release from the Court of Justice of the European Union. The case revolves around the Avanti trainer design, which Puma’s Dutch wholesaler, Handelsmaatschappij J. Van Hilst (HJVH), sought to patent in 2016. However, judges ruled against Puma, noting that Rihanna had worn the model before the patent application.
Evidence from Rihanna’s Instagram account played a pivotal role, showing her sporting the shoes in December 2014. Despite HJVH’s claim that there was little interest in Rihanna’s footwear, the court disagreed, citing her influence on fans and the fashion industry.
The court declared Puma’s design registration invalid, leaving the company with the option to appeal the decision.
