Skechers sues L.L. Bean over alleged shoe design copying
Skechers sportswear merchandise store is in operation in Changzhou. (Photo by Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)/L.L. Bean store in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - Footwear and apparel company Skechers has filed a lawsuit against retail company L.L. Bean over alleged illegal shoe design copying.
The suit was filed Monday at the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.
According to a complaint obtained by FOX Television Stations, Skechers is suing L.L. Bean for patent infringement.
The lawsuit centers around Skechers' "heel cup."
A patent design of a Skechers shoe "heel cup," (Credit: U.S. District Court)
"These designs all embody the overall ornamental appearance of the heel of the shoe and the ornamental appearance of certain parts of the heel of the shoe," the company said in court documents. "These designs are unique and eye-catching because they use graceful, sweeping, gently rolling lines and slopes to create the ornamental appearance of the heel of the shoe and make it visually appealing."
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Skechers accuse L.L. Bean of selling shoes with a similar heel cup design.
A look at the design of the L.L. Bean shoe. (Credit: U.S. District Court, Southern New York)
According to Reuters, the shoe company is seeking unspecified damages, including triple damages for any willful infringement, and to stop sales of infringing shoes.
FOX Television Stations reached out to L.L. Bean for comment.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.