Sneaker giant Skechers is suing outdoor clothing retailer L.L.Bean, alleging the company illegally copied its patented shoe designs.
California-based Skechers — one of the world’s largest footwear companies — claimed L.L.Bean stole two of its patented “heel cups” designs that surround the back of the foot, according to a complaint filed Monday night in Manhattan federal court.
“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 L.L.Bean enter the market with its infringing shoe,” Skechers said.
Skechers called its designs “unique” and “eye-catching” with “gently rolling lines and slopes” that resemble the shape of a heel.
The copycat in question — L.L.Bean’s Freeport casual shoes — are slip-on shoes that come in a variety of muted colors with a midsole cushion and stretchy elastic near the heel.
The shoes retail for $99 on the L.L.Bean website.
L.L.Bean and Skechers did not respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, as well as stopping L.L.Bean’s sales of the Freeport shoes — named after the retailer’s Maine headquarters.
The suit comes as American consumers hit hard by long-lasting inflation pull back on non-necessity spending.
Sneaker companies like Nike have struggled to stay relevant and hold on to buyers as rivals launch innovative sneaker releases at lower price points.
With Post wires
