Hermès defends its Oran sandals in court

This summer, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled in Hermès’ favor: the Oran sandals are indeed original creations protected by copyright. A strong signal in the fight against counterfeiting.

Since their launch in 1997, Oran sandals by Hermès have become a classic in the luxury summer wardrobe. Minimalist in design, recognizable by their famous “H” cutout on the instep, these flat sandals have become iconic pieces. So much so that they are regularly copied. This is precisely what the Paris Court of Appeal confirmed in a decision dated July 11, 2025, marking a strategic legal victory for Hermès.

Justice confirms Oran’s originality

The Parisian house had taken legal action against the wholesale company Mulanka, accused of distributing models too similar to the Oran sandals. The dispute took root in 2020, after a report broadcast on M6 highlighted a store in the Paris region selling these copies. While a seizure had already been carried out at the time, this new decision condemns the supplier to more than €25,000 in damages, confirming the model’s copyright protection.

The Court also recognized the originality of the men’s version of the Oran, named Izmir, with its equally refined design. This point is essential: it reinforces the House’s ability to defend its entire catalog of iconic models, beyond leather goods alone.

A well-honed legal strategy

This case is just one in a series of recent legal proceedings brought by Hermès. Earlier this summer, the company won a case against two boutiques in Saint-Tropez, accused of selling bags imitating the famous Kelly. Hermès ‘ strategy is clear: to protect the uniqueness of its creations in the face of a growing wave of counterfeits, particularly on the resale market and online platforms.

At a time when “dupes ” are widely promoted on social networks, defending the original becomes a brand lever. This legal vigilance contributes to preserving the aura of the House, whose value rests as much on its heritage as on the rarity and stylistic integrity of its pieces.

Paris, capital of luxury… and trademark law

The choice of the Parisian court is not insignificant: Paris remains one of the historic bastions of the luxury goods industry, as well as a benchmark legal center for intellectual property cases. This new decision reinforces the image of an ecosystem where creation is protected, and where brands can defend their heritage against copying.

Also read: Audemars Piguet invests in Inhotec: an industrial strategy to meet the challenges of watchmaking