Crocs files slew of new trademark infringement suits

BROOMFIELD — Casual footwear maker Crocs Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX) is taking aim at companies it alleges have infringed on its trademarks in a series of new lawsuits filed in U.S. District Courts across the country. 

The defendants, alleged sellers and producers of knock-off Crocs, are: Cape Robbin Inc., Bijora Inc., Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare Corp., Crocsky, Fujian Huayuan Well Import and Export Trade Co. Ltd, Fullbeauty Brands Inc., Hawkins Footwear, Hobibear Shoes and Clothing Ltd., Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., Ink Tee, La Modish Boutique, Legend Footwear Inc., Loeffler Randall Inc. Maxhouse Rise Ltd., PW Shoes Inc., Royal Deluxe Accessories LLC, Shoe-Nami Inc., Star Bay Group Inc., Walmart Inc., Yoki Fashion International LLC, Quanzhou ZhengDe Network Corp. and 718Closeouts.

“These actions underscore our determination to take forceful steps to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property,” Crocs chief legal and risk officer Daniel Hart said in a prepared statement. “It is essential that we protect Crocs’ iconic DNA, and we will not tolerate the infringement of our rights or those who try to freeride on the investments we have made in our brand.”

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The suits were filed in the wake of a June request from Crocs that the U.S. International Trade Commission investigate knockoff products imported to the U.S. in violation of copyright laws.

Crocs said the ITC has agreed to conduct a review into more than 20 companies. 

Crocs has long battled would-be knockoff artists, and in 2006, the ITC issued an order barring the importation of goods that infringe on company patents. The current complaint is similar but relates to trademarks rather than patents.

Crocs settled a 2008 dispute with Sketchers USA Inc. out of court with the competitor agreeing to discontinue production and sale of certain molded footwear styles.

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