Freeport-based L.L. Bean, one of Maine’s most iconic outdoors brands, has been sued in federal court by Skechers for allegedly infringing upon two of their patented designs for “heel cups” when creating their casual “Freeport” shoes.
Skechers, a publicly traded company based in Manhattan Beach, Calif., filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday.
At the heart of this case is the argument that L.L. Bean’s “Freeport” shoe allegedly copied Skechers’ patented design for the shape of the heel area.
“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,” Skechers wrote in the complaint.
“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,” they said.
“Only after Skechers incurred the substantial risk and monumental expense of developing and promoting its shoes with these heel cup designs, and established that they had broad appeal, did LL Bean enter the market with its infringing shoe,” said the company.
From this lawsuit, Skechers seeks to stop L.L. Bean from selling the shoes that allegedly infringe upon their patents, as well as any profits they have accrued from their sale.
As of this article’s publication, the “Freeport” shoe is still available for sale on the L.L. Bean website.
Neither L.L. Bean nor Skechers has responded to requests for comment from members of the media.
Who cares?
They’re both probably made in the same Chinese factory
L.L Bean became superrwoke and supported the BLM movement.