LL Bean, the iconic outdoor gear retailer, has agreed to halt the sale of its Freeport casual shoes following a legal dispute with Skechers USA over alleged patent infringement. The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett in Manhattan on Thursday, resolves claims that LL Bean’s shoes copied patented designs for the heel cups featured in Skechers’ popular footwear line.
Under the terms of the injunction, LL Bean will be prohibited from making, importing, or selling shoes that infringe upon two Skechers design patents until the patents expire in 2038. The Freeport shoes, which were priced at $99, were named after the company’s Maine hometown and marketed as a stylish and comfortable casual footwear option. Skechers, one of the world’s largest footwear companies, accused LL Bean of trying to capitalize on its patented heel cup design, which Skechers describes as a unique and recognizable feature with “graceful, sweeping, gently rolling lines.”
Skechers filed the lawsuit in July, arguing that LL Bean’s shoes violated its patents for the specific shape and design of the heel cup, a crucial component of its popular shoe models. The complaint detailed how LL Bean’s Freeport shoes bore striking similarities to Skechers’ patented designs, which have been central to the success of Skechers’ footwear collections.
While the exact terms of the settlement, including whether Skechers will receive financial compensation, remain undisclosed, the court order marks a significant resolution in the ongoing legal battle. Skechers had previously sought unspecified damages in addition to the injunction. The patents in question are set to remain in effect until 2038, giving Skechers continued protection over its design rights for years to come.
Neither LL Bean nor its legal team immediately commented on the settlement, nor did representatives from Skechers respond to inquiries. This case highlights the growing importance of intellectual property protections in the competitive footwear industry.
LL Bean, established in 1912, is known for its durable outdoor clothing and footwear, while Skechers, founded in 1992, has grown into one of the world’s largest footwear brands with a broad range of products including lifestyle, athletic, and casual shoes.
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