Uggs-N-Rugs

Uggs-N-Rugsis a small family business, manufacturing and retailing sheepskin ugg boots.

History

Uggs-N-Rugs are a family sheepskin ugg boots manufacturing and retailing business operating out of Perth, Western Australia. The business was formed in the late 1970's by Bruce and Bronwyn McDougall who had recently finished farming in Quindanning. Initially they purchased their product already made but as the quality was erratic, they decided to make it themselves using an old industrial overlocker sewing machine. Their children Michelle, Alex and Fiona all helped in the business and daughter, Fiona, still does.

Ugg Boots and trademarks

The McDougalls have been seen in the media in recent years due to the tussle with Deckers Outdoor Corporation and their registered trademarks. Most notable is their win in early 2006 when their business - Uggs-N-Rugs - was successful in having IP Australia (the Australian trade mark's office) declare that the word/s ug / ugh and ugg are interchangeable and are generic words used to describe sheepskin boots. The result was having the trademark ugh-boots wiped from the register for non-use. As part of their action, the McDougalls provided volumes of evidence showing the term (and its derivatives) being used in a generic sense. In addition, they were able to show that Deckers Outdoor Corporation failed to use their trademark properly and consistently. This battle was portrayed in the documentary, The Good, The Bad and The Ugg Boot. This action sets an important precedent in trademark law and serves as a warning to those who register trademarks to make sure they are used properly. After the various non-use actions were finalised, IP Australia took the unusual step of publishing a clarification on their rulings. It also highlights the need for more due diligence to be performed by both the registering party and International Intellectual Property registrars before registering a trademark.

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