An iconic Australian ugg boot manufacturer has changed its name overseas over a lawsuit from an American retail giant as the company stares down "the barrel of a big fight".Ugg Since 1974 owner Todd Watts said US-based Deckers Outdoor Corporation filed a lawsuit against the Australian business in Chicago last year.The brand will now be known as Since 74 in all countries outside of Australia and New Zealand, where the company holds the local trademark.
The ugg boot has grown in popularity around the world. (Supplied)Watts also said the brand lost its Tiktok account for months until the social networking service reviewed and restored the account amid the dispute.He said the company's Facebook and Instagram accounts are still down."We've kept quiet about the litigation so far, hoping that we could reach a quick resolution," Watts told customers."But as we've now had to make some significant changes to our business and the litigation continues, it's time that our customers now understand why."Deckers Outdoor Corporation owns the trademarks for Ugg in more than 25 countries including the United States.The company is known for footwear brands including Hoka and Teva.Deckers was previously in a trademark battle with Sydney-based businessman Eddie Oygur and his company Australian Leather.Watts said the change in name would not change the core of the brand and its mission."Our roots are still the same, our quality is still the same, the product is still the same and more importantly, our story is still the same," he said."We are the original and we will still be the original no matter what our label says on the back of our boots."
