Claim That ‘Ugg’ Trademark Is Generic Probed by Federal Circuit

An Australian online merchant faced a Federal Circuit skeptical of its bid to have the “Ugg” trademark nullified because it was a generic term for sheepskin boots before it was a brand.

Australian Leather Pty Ltd. wants the court to reverse a jury’s $450,000 damages award to Ugg trademark owner Deckers Brands for trademark counterfeiting, along with $2 million in legal fees. The court asked why its argument wasn’t undone by a binding precedent deeming U.S. perceptions critical in a case involving an “LA” trademark that in Australia generically signaled low-alcohol.

The court also pushed back on Deckers on why ...