Quince Aims to Have ‘Dupe’ Evidence Shape Ugg Shoe Patent Trial

Ugg brand owner Deckers Outdoor Corp. is trying to convince a California federal judge to stop accused infringer Quince from referencing “dupes” and “dupe culture” in a design patent trial over cozy shearling shoes.

Deckers argues injecting claims that consumers demand and embrace cheaper copycats invites the jury to decide the infringement issue based on social sentiment rather than the objective visual comparison the law requires.

But Quince says evidence of other Ugg “dupes” supports its argument that the design is functional and therefore not eligible for design patent protection, which only covers ornamental designs.

The parties are set to ...