A discussion of the Louboutin v. YSL litigation where Christian Louboutin, owner of a federal trademark registration for a laquered red sole for women's designer footwear, sued Yves Saint Laurent under the Lanham Act and New York state law for trademark infringment, dilution and unfair competition arising out of YSL's use of red soles in connection with footwear. The main issue was whether and to what extent a single color may be protected under the Lanham Act as a trademark for fashion items, particularly footwear.