Crocs, Inc. announced a judgment of infringement against USA Dawgs and Double Diamond Distribution due to both companies’ alleged sales of copycat Crocs shoes. In addition, Crocs also obtained $6 million and $55,000 in damages, respectively, against the companies.
In a statement, Crocs said that the case is the culmination of a years-long battle between the parties after USA Dawgs and Double Diamond Distribution started selling shoes that infringed on Crocs’ patents in 2006. Both companies have since conceded the validity of Crocs’ patent rights, according to Crocs.
“We are fiercely protective of the Crocs brand and our iconic DNA. We have zero-tolerance for infringement of our intellectual property rights or for anyone who tries to benefit off the investments that we have made in our brand,” said Daniel Hart, executive vice president and chief legal & risk officer, Crocs. “This judgment not only reinforces the validity of our patent rights but also reinforces our unrelenting determination to take forceful steps to protect our brand equity.”
The judgment of infringement comes nearly one year after Crocs filed lawsuits against 21 companies alleging infringement of its registered trademark rights in its clog designs. The lawsuits were filed with the International Trade Commission, in addition to various U.S. District Courts seeking an exclusion order against infringing product in addition to monetary damages for violations of Crocs’ three-dimensional trademark rights.
Photo courtesy Crocs
