UGG Boots and the battle between Aussie makers and the USA
To understand our battle with the USA and our ability to use the term UGG in marketing this iconic footwear, you need to know the history and what this battle is about.
UGG boots were invented in Australia. There are a few stories going around as to who started making them first but really, there were a few shoemakers producing these comfy and warm boots from the early 1960's - including my dad!
Merino wool was in abundance and after a early morning surf, Aussies developed these boots as a easy and warm option to slip on. They grew to became so popular that almost every one had a pair. They were a bit bogan back then, but we Aussies embraced our dagginess and wore them anyway.
Move to the 1990's and UGG started to became a globally trend. One company, UGG Australia was one of many Australian companies making these boots here and selling them both locally and globally until they sold their business to a US company called Deckers and then became the enemy. Mandic Shoes and other like us were thriving producers too, employing over 50 Aussies but this US conglomerate were a threat.
Things changed. Deckers wanted to control the market. They wanted to prevent Australian producers from exporting our products overseas and using the term UGG when selling them.
To us, UGG was the generic type that describes the type of footwear they are, its not a brand
But Deckers wanted to control the term 'UGG' and prevent other smaller Australian made companies from exporting them overseas..
The battle was a real David and Goliath saga which we won in Australia but lost in the USA. This meant we could continue to sell and call our boots UGG here, but not export. Deckers were trying to sue anyone that sold internationally Ugg boots. This had, as you can imagine a HUGE impact on local business with some even closing shop.
It also confused the consumer as they did not understand that some of these international UGGs were:
1. not made in Australia
2. not made using pure Australian sheepskin
3. they were paying higher prices for a 'brand'
Today, many companies are now closed. Many Australians are opting for cheaper, synthetic versions or being influenced by UGG brands a trend and not for its quality
The core features of this great Aussie product is lost if you do not experience the feel and comfort of 100% sheepskin against your skin and have the durability of buying a quality product.
If you wish to support Australian made, please look out when you buy. Check the labels and ensure you are buying authentic Australian made, pure wool UGG boots like you do if you buy from SCRUB UGG by Mandic Shoes