As legions of show-goers dust off their Louboutins, they can rest easy knowing their red soles are still the brand’s trademark, thanks to a new ruling in the New York federal court of appeals. The decision comes as part of a long-running battle between Christian Louboutin SA and Yves Saint Laurent SA, which all started over a YSL pump with red soles. Louboutin, which trademarked its hint of red in 2008, demanded the offending shoe be removed from stores. And while the court’s latest decision still leaves room for red soles on red shoes, we’re betting the honchos at YSL have a lot more on their mind this season.

The Christian Louboutin company has issued the following statement: “We welcome the decision of the Court of Appeals and will study today’s ruling at great length. We are extremely pleased and gratified that the Appellate Court found our key arguments to be correct: first that color can and does serve as a trademark in the fashion industry, and that Christian Louboutin’s world famous Red Sole trademark is valid, protectable and enforceable. As we have said throughout these proceedings and we reiterate now, especially in the light of this decision, we will continue to take all steps available to protect our trademark.”