Sneaker giant Skechers has filed a lawsuit against outdoor clothing retailer L.L. Bean, alleging that the retailer illegally copied its patented shoe designs.
California-based Skechers, one of the world’s largest shoe makers, alleged in a complaint filed Monday night in Manhattan federal court that L.L.Bean stole two of its patented “heel cup” designs that surround the bottom of the foot.
“After Skechers incurred significant risk and expense in developing and promoting these heel cup shoes and demonstrating widespread acceptance, L.L.Bean entered the market with the infringing shoes.” Skechers said.
Skechers described the design as “unique” and “eye-catching,” with “rolling lines and slopes” that resemble the shape of a heel.
The counterfeit product in question, LL Bean’s Freeport Casual Shoes, are subdued-colored slip-on shoes with midsole cushioning and elasticated rubber near the heel.
The Shoes Retail price: $99 On the L.L.Bean website.
L.L.Bean and Skechers did not respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction to stop the sale of Freeport Shoes, named after L.L.Bean’s Maine headquarters.
The lawsuit comes as American consumers, hit hard by a long period of inflation, are cutting back on spending on non-essential items.
Sneaker companies like Nike are struggling to stay relevant and retain buyers as competitors launch more innovative sneakers at lower prices.
With post wire
