Skechers sues L.L.Bean for allegedly copying patented shoe designs
Skechers called its designs “unique” and “eye-catching” with “gently rolling lines and slopes” that resemble the shape of a heel.
The copycat in question – L.L.Bean’s Freeport casual shoes – are slip-on shoes that come in a variety of muted colors with a midsole cushion and stretchy elastic near the heel.
The shoes retail for $99 on the L.L.Bean website.
L.L.Bean and Skechers did not respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, as well as stopping L.L.Bean’s sales of the Freeport shoes — named after the retailer’s Maine headquarters.
The suit comes as American consumers hit hard by long-lasting inflation pull back on non-necessity spending.
Sneaker companies like Nike have struggled to stay relevant and hold on to buyers as rivals launch innovative sneaker releases at lower price points.
