Birkenstocks: they are ubiquitous in the summer, comfy and very German, come in many colors and shapes, look sometimes chic and sometimes shabby. But can these sandals be considered art? That's what Germany's Federal Court of Justice had to decide on Thursday,

A German court is putting its foot down. Birkenstocks are not art. Birkenstocks are cool enough for influencers, Hollywood stars and even Barbie — but they do not qualify as art, Germany’s top court ruled Thursday. The company claimed that their shoes can be classified as art and therefore are protected by copyright laws.

Birkenstock sandals, which have evolved from a symbol of counterculture to a trendy fashion item, do not qualify as art and are therefore not protected by copyright, Germany's highest civil court ruled on Thursday.