The Ugg Boot Controversy in Australia

Several small manufacturers of sheepskin boots lodged applications with IP Australia in 2003, resulting in the decision that allowed them and other retailers of sheepskin shoes in Australia to call their boots 'Uggs.'Ian Thompson, Hearing Officer with IP Australia, said,.....

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.”