Christian Louboutin first registered the trademark for his distinctive red soles in 2008. However, it's important to note a few things:
* The trademark isn't just for "red soles." It's specifically for the red lacquered soles that are a signature feature of Louboutin shoes. This means other shoes with red soles might not be infringing on the trademark.
* The trademark doesn't cover the entire shoe. Only the red soles are protected.
* The trademark is not absolute. Louboutin has faced legal challenges in the past, with some courts ruling that the red sole design is too generic and doesn't deserve trademark protection.
Therefore, while the red lacquered soles of Christian Louboutin shoes are indeed trademarked, the scope of that protection is complex and can be subject to interpretation.