UGG vs Uggs Since 1974 and the Global Fight Over a ‘Generic’ Boot Name
Credit: Uggs Since1974
UGG vs Uggs Since 1974 and the Global Fight Over a ‘Generic’ Boot Name
The trademark conflict between the American giant Deckers Outdoor Corporation (owner of the UGG brand) and Australian manufacturers like Uggs Since 1974 is a seminal case
The trademark conflict between the American giant Deckers Outdoor Corporation (owner of the UGG brand) and Australian manufacturers like Uggs Since 1974 is a seminal case in international intellectual property (IP) law. It highlights the friction between local cultural heritage and global commercial legal frameworks. 1.
What Happened: UGG vs. Since 1964 In Australia , the term "ugg" (or "ug", "ugh") has been used since the early 20th century to describe a specific style of flat soled, sheepskin boot. To
Australians , "ugg" is a generic noun, similar to "sneakers" or "sandals." Because it is a generic term, no single company can own the word "ugg" within Australia ; any manufacturer can produce and sell "ugg boots." However, the global landscape is different.
In the late 1970s , Australian surfer Brian Smith brought sheepskin boots to the United States and registered the "UGG" trademark. This trademark was eventually acquired by the American company Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 1995 .
Deckers aggressively expanded the brand globally and registered the "UGG" trademark in over 130 countries. The Conflict of Laws The dispute arises from a legal principle called territoriality.
A trademark registered in one country does not automatically grant rights in another, and a term that is generic in one country (Australia) can be a protected brand name in another (the United States)…
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