The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Shoe company, Australian Leather, lost an appeal in a US court to have the trademark for the word “ugg” revoked from its American owner, Deckers Outdoor Corporation, The New York Times reports.
The Australian catchall term “ugg” has been a reference to fleece-lined sheepskin boot since the 1930s, but the term was trademarked in the US by Australian entrepreneur, Brian Smith, in the mid-eighties and he then sold his business to Deckers, which currently owns the “Ugg Australia” trademark in 130 countries.
This largely prevents Australian bootmakers from selling their wares internationally (the term “ugg” is not subject to trademark in Australia). Deckers first launched legal action against Australian Leather owner, Eddie Oygur, in 2016, claiming trademark infringement after he sold 13 pairs of ugg boots in the United States through his website.
Oygur, who was ordered to pay Deckers $450,000 by an Illinois court in 2019, said he would now take the case to the US Supreme Court.
Fast-growing start-ups like Hettas, Saysh and Moolah Kicks created sneakers designed specifically for active women. The sportswear giants are watching closely.
The companies agreed to cap credit-card swipe fees in one of the most significant antitrust settlements ever, following a legal fight that spanned almost two decades.
In an era of austerity on Wall Street, apparel businesses are more likely to be valued on their profits rather than sales, which usually means lower payouts for founders and investors. That is, if they can find a buyer in the first place.
The fast fashion giant occupies a shrinking middle ground between Shein and Zara. New CEO Daniel Ervér can lay out the path forward when the company reports quarterly results this week.