04 July, Mumbai 2025
The Delhi High Court has given Crocs Inc. approval to proceed with its long-running design infringement case, accusing several footwear brands, including India's Liberty and Relaxo, as well as Czech Republic-based Bata, of allegedly copying its popular rubber clogs design. This significant ruling allows Crocs to revive lawsuits that were previously stalled in 2019 due to technical reasons in the Indian court system.
In its initial legal challenge, Crocs Inc. sought to prevent its rivals from manufacturing and selling footwear that bore a striking resemblance to its distinctive rubber clogs. However, Liberty countered these claims by arguing that Crocs itself was not the original designer of the clogs, suggesting that the design was not entirely unique to them.
This particular style of clog has garnered a dedicated following over time, known for its vibrant colors and comfortable resin material. It has been widely sold by numerous footwear brands across India. The Delhi High Court's decision to reinstate these lawsuits means the "clog wars" will now proceed to a full trial, where the merits of each side's arguments regarding design originality and intellectual property rights will be thoroughly examined.
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