Birkenstock’s German law firm SKW Schwarz argues the iconic sandals qualify as ‘art’ under copyright law but rival shoe retailers in the German Federal Court aren’t sold on the idea.

Last summer, Birkenstock benefited from a cameo in the blockbuster Barbie movie, which stars Margot Robbie in the title role donning a pair of pink Birkenstocks in one scene. That’s added to the ...