Ugg boots: Difference between revisions
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[[File:UggBoots SMC.JPG|right|250px|thumb|A pair of |
[[File:UggBoots SMC.JPG|right|250px|thumb|A pair of sheepskin boots]] |
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==This article is about Australian sheepskin boots, not the UGG brand. For info on the UGG brand see [[Ugg Australia]]== |
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| ⚫ | The boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Heights range from around the ankle to above the knee, they are available in a range of different colours as both slip-on and lace-up varieties, and they are produced by a number of manufacturers. The natural insulative properties of sheepskin gives thermostatic properties to the boots: the thick fleecy fibers on the inner part of the boots allow air to circulate and keep the feet at body temperature.<ref name="USA today" /> This means that the boots can be worn without socks even in relatively cold weather. |
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| ⚫ | The boots are believed to have been first developed in [[Australia]] or [[New Zealand]], although the exact date is uncertain—they have been, at different times, identified with pilots in [[World War I]] who are said to have worn them for warmth in [[Cabin pressurization|unpressurized planes]], shearers in rural Australia during the 1920s, [[surfing|surfer]]s and [[swimming (sport)|competitive swimmer]]s who wore them in the 1960s and 1970s for keeping warm while out of the water. In the early 2000s, they became a fashion trend in the [[United States]], leading to increased global sales.<ref name="USA today" /> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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[[File: |
[[File:Sheepskin boots gnangarra 03.JPG|thumb|Cutting boot components from a [[Hide|sheepskin]] using a cutting press]] |
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[[File:Ugg boots gnangarra 11.JPG|thumb|Stitching the innersole of an ugg boot]] |
[[File:Ugg boots gnangarra 11.JPG|thumb|Stitching the innersole of an ugg boot]] |
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There has been considerable dispute over the origins of the |
There has been considerable dispute over the origins of the boot style, with both Australia and New Zealand claiming to have been the originators of the footwear.<ref name="terry2008p188">{{cite journal | title = Where's the Beef? Why Burger King Is Hungry Jack's in Australia and Other Complications in Building a Global Franchise Brand | last1 = Terry | first1 = Andrew | last2 = Forrest | first2 = Heather | journal = Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business, 2008 | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | page = 188 | issn = 01963228 | year = 2008 }}</ref> Nevertheless, it appears that the boots may have been used by [[aviator]]s during [[World War I]], who referred to them as "fug boots",<ref name="CCE2004-03-09">{{cite news | date = 9 March 2004 | title = What's in a name? | work = Central Coast Express | location = [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] | page = 20 }}</ref> and that they were present in rural regions of Australia during the 1920s.<ref name="terry2008p188" /> While it is not clear when manufacturing started, by 1933, sheepskin boots were being manufactured by Blue Mountains Ugg Boots,<ref name="Gee2004-01-23">{{cite news | last = Gee | first = Steve | date = 23 January 2004 | title = Uggly Americans — The Yanks steal another one of our beaut ideas | work = [[Daily Telegraph (Australia)|Daily Telegraph]] | location = [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] | page = 7 }}</ref> and Mortels Sheepskin Factory were making the boots from the late 1950s.<ref name="CCE2004-03-09" /> |
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In the 1960s, |
In the 1960s, sheepskinugg boots became a popular option for competitive surfers,[6] who used the boots to keep their feet warm after exiting from the surf.[7] It was surfing which helped popularise the boots outside of Australia and New Zealand, when surfer Brian Smith started selling the boots in the United States through the company Ugg Holdings, Inc. in 1979.[7] Later, ugg UGG boots emerged as a fashion trend in the United States, with celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Pamela Anderson wearing the boots, increasing demand.[8][9] However, Pamela Anderson renounced ugg the boots in 2007 upon realising realizing that they were made from animal skin.[9] |
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The terms ''ugg boots'', ''ugh boots'' and ''ug boots'' have been used as generic terms for sheepskin boots in Australia and New Zealand since at least the 1970s,<ref name="IPAustralia2006-01-16">{{cite web | last = Thompson | first = Ian | date = 16 January 2006 | title = Decision of a Delegate of the Registrar of Trade Marks with Reasons | publisher = [[IP Australia]] | url = http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/pdfs/trademarks/hearings/245662_060116.pdf | accessdate = 17 November 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Burgess2008-07-12pA17" /> although individual accounts have suggested that the terms (or variations thereof) were employed earlier. The 1970s saw the emergence of advertising using the names,<ref name="IPAustralia2006-01-16" /> but Brian Smith has stated that the boots were referred to as "uggs" long before the word was trademarked (in 1971),<ref name="Higgins2001">{{cite journal | last = Higgins | first = Pamm | year = October 2001 | title = Booty Call | journal = [[Los Angeles Magazine]] | volume = 46 | issue = 10 | page = 75 | issn = 1522-9149 }} "We always called them Uggs," Smith says, "long before it was a trademarked brand."</ref> and Frank Mortel claims to have been making ugg boots under the "ugg" name since 1958.<ref name="Marks2004-02-17Quote">{{cite news | last = Marks | first = Kathy | date = 17 February 2004 | title = There's no business like shoe business | work = [[The Independent]] | location = [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/theres-no-business-like-shoe-business-570211.html | accessdate = 17 November 2009 }} "We called them Uggs from the start," he says. "Although I recall other names such as 'woolly hoppers'."</ref><ref name="Marks2006-01-19">{{cite news | last = Marks | first = Kathy | date = 19 January 2006 | title = These boots are made for litigation | work = [[New Zealand Herald]] | location = [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]] | page = 33 | url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10364327 | accessdate = 18 November 2009 }}</ref> |
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== Design == |
== Design == |
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The boots are traditionally made from sheepskin. The wool is tanned into the leather, and the upper part of the boot is assembled with the fleece on the inside. The soles of the boots are made from rubber, and the stitching is often prominent on the outside of the boot. The fleece draws away moisture, keeping the feet dry and at body temperature.[2] Today they come in a variety of colours, including black, pink, blue, chestnut, and fuchsia.[13] They are available in both slip-on and lace-up varieties and their height can range from just above the ankle to above the knee.[13] |
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Some variations of uggthis style boots have also been made from kangaroo fur and leather.[14] There are also synthetic boots. Although derided as "fake" by some in the industry,[15] their lower price made them appealing to large retail chains such as Myer.[16] |
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| ⚫ | Some variations of |
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In 1971, an Australian surfer, Shane Steadman, began selling ugg boots and registered the name.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow">{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/ugg-how-a-minnow-put-the-boot-into-a-fashion-giant-523444.html |title=Ugg: How a minnow put the boot into a fashion giant |work=[[The Independent]] |date=18 January 2006 |author=Kathy Marks |accessdate=21 May 2010}}</ref> In 1979, Brian Smith, another Australian surfer, brought several pairs of Australian-made uggs to the United States and began selling them in New York and to surfers in California. <ref name="UggLove">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/dec/20/image/la-ig-ugg20-2009dec20 |title=It looks like Ugg love |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=20 December 2009 |author=Julie Neigher |accessdate=19 June 2010}}</ref> He set up Ugg Holdings Inc. and registered "ugg boots" as a trademark in 25 countries. In 1995, he sold his interest to Deckers Outdoor Corporation.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> In 1999, Deckers began asserting its new trademark and sent out [[cease and desist]] letters to Australian manufacturers, but did not press the issue beyond that.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> It was only in the early 2000s when demand for ugg boots was soaring, partly as a result of several celebrity endorsements,<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> and Australian manufacturers began selling uggs over the Internet, that Deckers' law firm Middletons began a serious effort to halt their sales.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> In 2004, Deckers sent cease and desist letters to 20 Australian manufacturers and Mortels Sheepskin Factory was prevented from selling uggs on [[eBay]] or from using the word in [[domain name]]s.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> |
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| ⚫ | Some variations of the boots have also been made from kangaroo fur and leather.<ref name="KangarooTippedUggBoots">{{cite web | title = Kangaroo Tipped Ugg Boots | publisher = Eagle Wools | http://www.eaglewools.com.au/ugg-boots/boots/kangaroo-tipped-ugg-boots/ | accessdate = 05 January 2010 }}</ref> There are also synthetic boots. Although derided as "fake" by some in the industry,<ref name="FakeUggBoots">{{cite web | title = Fake Ugg Boots | publisher = Australian Sheepskin Association Inc | url = http://www.australiansheepskinassociation.com.au/ | accessdate = 17 November 2009 }}</ref> their lower price made them appealing to large retail chains such as [[Myer]].<ref name="Needham2004-02-22">{{cite news | last = Needham | first = Kirsty | date = 13 March 2004 | title = Putting the boot in | work = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | location = [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] | page = 33 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/cgi-bin/common/popupPrintArticle.pl?path=/articles/2004/03/12/1078594562069.html | accessdate = 17 November 2009 }}</ref> |
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In response to Deckers actions, Australian manufacturers formed the Ugg Boot Footwear Asssociation to fight Deckers' claim, arguing that "ugg" is a generic term referring to flat-heeled, pull-on sheepskin boots. They further argued that Australian manufacturers had been making and trading this style of boot for decades including into the United States. One of these manufacturers, [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth's]] [[Uggs-N-Rugs]], appealed to Australian trademark regulators, who in 2006 ruled that "ugg" is indeed a generic term and stated that it should be removed from the trademark register.<ref name="UggLove" /> The officer who heard the case stated that the "evidence overwhelmingly supports the proposition that the terms (ugg, ugh and ug boots) are interchangeably used to describe a specific style of sheepskin boot and are the first and most natural way in which to describe these goods". However, the ruling only applies in Australia with Deckers still owning the trademarks in other jurisdictions including the United States and the European Union.<ref name="UggHowAMinnow" /> |
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In 2005, the validity of the UGG trademark was challenged in Federal Court in California; the courts ruled for Deckers, stating that consumers in the United States consider Ugg to be a brand name.<ref>[http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1830421/koolaburra-sj-decision-pdf-march-29-2010-5-01-pm-751k?da=y Koolaburra] Decision</ref> A similar challenge was also rejected in the [[Netherlands]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1835726/dutchdecision12-08-pdf-april-1-2010-5-17-pm-5-9-meg?da=y |title=Dutch Decision, December 2008 |date=1 April 2010}} (PDF)</ref> |
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An Australian surfer, Shane Steadman, began selling sheepskin boots and in 1971 registered the UGH-BOOTS trade mark.[17] In ___ Steadman registered UGH as a trade mark in Australia. In 1979, Brian Smith, another Australian surfer, brought several pairs of Australian-made boots to the United States and began selling them in New York and to surfers in California. [18] He set up Ugg Holdins Inc. and registered UGG as a trademark in 25 countries. In 1995, he sold his interest to Deckers Outdoor Corporation.[17] Shane Steadman also sold his trade marks to Deckers. In 2006 the trade mark registration for UGH-BOOTS was removed from the Australian trade mark register for non-use.[18] A non-use action to remove Deckers “UGG Australia” registration in Australia failed. [cite] Deckers holds trademark registrations for UGG throughout the world, including the United States and the European Union.[17] |
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In 2005, the validity of the UGG trademark was challenged in Federal Court in California; the courts ruled for Deckers, stating that consumers in the United States consider Ugg to be a brand name.[19] A similar challenge was also rejected in the Netherlands.[20] In that case the court stated: "... the objection (to validity) will be stricken down. (Defendant’s argument is) that Australian companies, such as Jumbo Ugg believe that the word UGG is a generic name. One cannot establish the fact that this is considered a generic name in Benelux based on the opinion of one or more companies in Australia. ... In this litigation, therefore, the legitimacy of the brand is upheld. The court has no reason to doubt that (UGG) is a well-known brand in Benelux.” [20] |
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== Concern for animals == |
== Concern for animals == |
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Being one of many clothing products made from slaughtered animal skins, the production of |
Being one of many clothing products made from slaughtered animal skins, the production of the boots has been the subject of criticism by the animal rights movement. In the decade beginning in 2000, there were calls for the boycott of the boots and their replacement with alternatives not made from animal skin.<!-- no citation needed as two examples follow --> |
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In 2007, [[Pamela Anderson]], realising that |
In 2007, [[Pamela Anderson]], realising that UGG boots were made of skin, wrote on her website: "I thought they were shaved kindly? People like to tell me all the time that I started that trend — yikes! Well let's start a new one — do NOT buy Uggs! Buy Stella McCartney or juicy boots".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255145,00.html |title=Pamela Anderson Learns Ugg Boots Made From Sheepskin, Speaks Out Against Them |publisher=Fox News |date=28 February 2007 |accessdate=14 May 2010}}</ref> |
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In February 2008, the Princeton Animal Welfare Society staged a campus protest against the fur industry, particularly attacking the |
In February 2008, the Princeton Animal Welfare Society staged a campus protest against the fur industry, particularly attacking the sheepskin boot industry, popular amongst male and female college students. "[S]tudents lay in the newly fallen snow on the Frist Campus Center’s North Front Lawn on Friday afternoon, feigning death, wearing coats covered with fake blood and sporting signs that read, 'What if you were killed for your coat?'"<ref>"{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2008/02/25/20237/ |title=PAWS takes aim at Ugg boots |work=Daily Princetonian |date=25 February 2008}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 01:51, 23 July 2010
This article is about Australian sheepskin boots, not the UGG brand. For info on the UGG brand see Ugg Australia
Sheepskin boots (sometimes called ugg boots in Australia)[1] are unisex sheepskin boots, made of twin-faced sheepskin with fleece on the inside and with a tanned outer surface.
The boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Heights range from around the ankle to above the knee, they are available in a range of different colours as both slip-on and lace-up varieties, and they are produced by a number of manufacturers. The natural insulative properties of sheepskin gives thermostatic properties to the boots: the thick fleecy fibers on the inner part of the boots allow air to circulate and keep the feet at body temperature.[2] This means that the boots can be worn without socks even in relatively cold weather.
The boots are believed to have been first developed in Australia or New Zealand, although the exact date is uncertain—they have been, at different times, identified with pilots in World War I who are said to have worn them for warmth in unpressurized planes, shearers in rural Australia during the 1920s, surfers and competitive swimmers who wore them in the 1960s and 1970s for keeping warm while out of the water. In the early 2000s, they became a fashion trend in the United States, leading to increased global sales.[2]
History
There has been considerable dispute over the origins of the boot style, with both Australia and New Zealand claiming to have been the originators of the footwear.[3] Nevertheless, it appears that the boots may have been used by aviators during World War I, who referred to them as "fug boots",[4] and that they were present in rural regions of Australia during the 1920s.[3] While it is not clear when manufacturing started, by 1933, sheepskin boots were being manufactured by Blue Mountains Ugg Boots,[5] and Mortels Sheepskin Factory were making the boots from the late 1950s.[4]
In the 1960s, sheepskinugg boots became a popular option for competitive surfers,[6] who used the boots to keep their feet warm after exiting from the surf.[7] It was surfing which helped popularise the boots outside of Australia and New Zealand, when surfer Brian Smith started selling the boots in the United States through the company Ugg Holdings, Inc. in 1979.[7] Later, ugg UGG boots emerged as a fashion trend in the United States, with celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Pamela Anderson wearing the boots, increasing demand.[8][9] However, Pamela Anderson renounced ugg the boots in 2007 upon realising realizing that they were made from animal skin.[9]
Design
The boots are traditionally made from sheepskin. The wool is tanned into the leather, and the upper part of the boot is assembled with the fleece on the inside. The soles of the boots are made from rubber, and the stitching is often prominent on the outside of the boot. The fleece draws away moisture, keeping the feet dry and at body temperature.[2] Today they come in a variety of colours, including black, pink, blue, chestnut, and fuchsia.[13] They are available in both slip-on and lace-up varieties and their height can range from just above the ankle to above the knee.[13] Some variations of uggthis style boots have also been made from kangaroo fur and leather.[14] There are also synthetic boots. Although derided as "fake" by some in the industry,[15] their lower price made them appealing to large retail chains such as Myer.[16]
Some variations of the boots have also been made from kangaroo fur and leather.[6] There are also synthetic boots. Although derided as "fake" by some in the industry,[7] their lower price made them appealing to large retail chains such as Myer.[8]
Trademark
An Australian surfer, Shane Steadman, began selling sheepskin boots and in 1971 registered the UGH-BOOTS trade mark.[17] In ___ Steadman registered UGH as a trade mark in Australia. In 1979, Brian Smith, another Australian surfer, brought several pairs of Australian-made boots to the United States and began selling them in New York and to surfers in California. [18] He set up Ugg Holdins Inc. and registered UGG as a trademark in 25 countries. In 1995, he sold his interest to Deckers Outdoor Corporation.[17] Shane Steadman also sold his trade marks to Deckers. In 2006 the trade mark registration for UGH-BOOTS was removed from the Australian trade mark register for non-use.[18] A non-use action to remove Deckers “UGG Australia” registration in Australia failed. [cite] Deckers holds trademark registrations for UGG throughout the world, including the United States and the European Union.[17] In 2005, the validity of the UGG trademark was challenged in Federal Court in California; the courts ruled for Deckers, stating that consumers in the United States consider Ugg to be a brand name.[19] A similar challenge was also rejected in the Netherlands.[20] In that case the court stated: "... the objection (to validity) will be stricken down. (Defendant’s argument is) that Australian companies, such as Jumbo Ugg believe that the word UGG is a generic name. One cannot establish the fact that this is considered a generic name in Benelux based on the opinion of one or more companies in Australia. ... In this litigation, therefore, the legitimacy of the brand is upheld. The court has no reason to doubt that (UGG) is a well-known brand in Benelux.” [20]
Concern for animals
Being one of many clothing products made from slaughtered animal skins, the production of the boots has been the subject of criticism by the animal rights movement. In the decade beginning in 2000, there were calls for the boycott of the boots and their replacement with alternatives not made from animal skin.
In 2007, Pamela Anderson, realising that UGG boots were made of skin, wrote on her website: "I thought they were shaved kindly? People like to tell me all the time that I started that trend — yikes! Well let's start a new one — do NOT buy Uggs! Buy Stella McCartney or juicy boots".[9]
In February 2008, the Princeton Animal Welfare Society staged a campus protest against the fur industry, particularly attacking the sheepskin boot industry, popular amongst male and female college students. "[S]tudents lay in the newly fallen snow on the Frist Campus Center’s North Front Lawn on Friday afternoon, feigning death, wearing coats covered with fake blood and sporting signs that read, 'What if you were killed for your coat?'"[10]
References
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
IPAustralia2006-01-16was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
USA todaywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Terry, Andrew; Forrest, Heather (2008). "Where's the Beef? Why Burger King Is Hungry Jack's in Australia and Other Complications in Building a Global Franchise Brand". Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business, 2008. 28 (2): 188. ISSN 0196-3228.
- ^ a b "What's in a name?". Central Coast Express. Sydney, Australia. 9 March 2004. p. 20.
- ^ Gee, Steve (23 January 2004). "Uggly Americans — The Yanks steal another one of our beaut ideas". Daily Telegraph. Sydney, Australia. p. 7.
- ^ "Kangaroo Tipped Ugg Boots". Eagle Wools.
{{cite web}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help); Text "http://www.eaglewools.com.au/ugg-boots/boots/kangaroo-tipped-ugg-boots/" ignored (help) - ^ "Fake Ugg Boots". Australian Sheepskin Association Inc. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
- ^ Needham, Kirsty (13 March 2004). "Putting the boot in". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney, Australia. p. 33. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
- ^ "Pamela Anderson Learns Ugg Boots Made From Sheepskin, Speaks Out Against Them". Fox News. 28 February 2007. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
- ^ ""PAWS takes aim at Ugg boots". Daily Princetonian. 25 February 2008.
External links
- Documentary film on the trademark dispute: Produced and directed by Susan Lambert, Jumping Dog Productions (14 September 2006). "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugg boot". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
{{cite episode}}: Missing or empty|series=(help) - "Ugg Lovers Fight Back", The Age, 6 May 2004.
- "Save Our Aussie Icon" - campaign against the trademark