Uggs-N-Rugs
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear manufacturing and retail |
| Founded | late 1970s |
| Founder | Bruce McDougall, Bronwyn McDougall |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Ugg boots |
Uggs-N-Rugs operates as a modest manufacturer and retailer of ugg boots based in Perth. In 2006, the company achieved a significant legal victory by successfully opposing the trademark registrations of ugg/ug/ugh within Australia and continues to challenge these trademarks alongside the Australian Sheepskin Association.
History
The enterprise was established in the late 1970s by Bruce and Bronwyn McDougall following their farming experience in Quindanning. Initially, Uggs-N-Rugs sold ready-made ugg boots; however, due to variability in quality, the founders shifted to producing their own boots to guarantee improved consistency and craftsmanship.
Ugg boot trademarks
During 2005 and 2006, Uggs-N-Rugs attracted considerable media coverage through its legal confrontation with Deckers Outdoor Corporation concerning the trademarks related to ugg boots. Early in 2006, the company succeeded in having the Australian trademarks for ug, ugh, and ugg revoked on grounds of non-use. IP Australia determined these terms to be generic descriptors for sheepskin footwear, noting Deckers' irregular trademark application. The McDougalls substantiated their claim with comprehensive evidence demonstrating widespread generic usage. This landmark dispute was documented in the film The Good, The Bad and The Ugg Boot, establishing pivotal precedents in trademark law. Following this decision, IP Australia issued guidelines reinforcing the necessity for thorough examination during trademark registration by both domestic applicants and international authorities.
External links
- Uggs-N-Rugs official website
- The Good, The Bad and the Ugg Boot Documentary analysis (archived)