Ugg boots are now known the world over for their ability to keep the wearer’s feet quite warm, even in very cold weather. For this specific reason, Ugg boots can be worn even without socks and this has made the shoes immensely popular all over the world. It is not certain if they were first made in Australia or New Zealand and a lot of water has run under the bridges. The Ugg Boot trademark controversy has also seen a resurgence in recent years.
History of Ugg boots
Historically, they were worn by pilots, surfers, and shearers in the 1920s around World War I in Australia. Then, in the 1970s, they became a favorite with surfers and swimmers who wore them after competitions to keep their feet warm. Since they are made of sheepskin, they help keep the temperature warm and keep your feet protected. Although boots were previously made in such a way that both men and women could wear them, specific trends for women’s Ugg boots have also been incorporated lately. Soon these boots gained a cult status and became a fashion trend in 2000. Many celebrities also started endorsing these shoes and this is the reason why they have become quite popular.
Both New Zealand and Australia claim they were the first to make the boots. However, it is clear that the production of the boots began in 1933 with the “Ugg Boots of the Blue Mountains”. they weren’t pressurized and needed the boots to make sure their feet stayed warm.
Actually, the term Ugg Boot is a broad and non-specific term that has been used for sheepskin shoes, whether they were made in Australia or New Zealand. It can be said that it is really a generic term.
Sales beyond Australia
In the 1970s, the trademark dispute was widespread when an Australian surfer named Shane Steadman began selling these boots and shoes and later registered them as a trademark. In 1979, another Australian surfer known as Brian Smith bought these shoes from the United States to sell and registered his company as Ugg Holdings Inc. and bought the Steadman trademark. Now the brand was registered in 25 countries. However, Smith sold his interest to the Decker Outdoor Corporation. Since the trademark was registered in 25 countries, Decker sent a cease and desist letter to all Australian manufacturers from using the Ugg boot name. But the matter was not pressed further.
The resolved trademark row
Suddenly, in the year 2000, as a result of celebrity endorsements, the demand for the shoes skyrocketed and Australian manufacturers began selling them under the name of Ugg boots. According to a court ruling now, Ugg boots is a generic term that can be used by manufacturers who use sheepskin to make the boots. However, in other countries, manufacturers are not allowed to use this term with reference to boots made of sheepskin.