Aussie businessman loses legal fight over sale of ‘ugg’ boots

An Australian businessman has lost a legal tussle with a US footwear giant over the sale of ugg boots, and now faces financial ruin.

A court in Chicago found Eddie Oygur, who sells ugg boots online via his company Australian Leather, wilfully infringed on a trademark owned by Deckers Outdoor.

Mr Oygur has been ordered to pay Deckers damages of $US450,000 ($AUD642,780) but is also facing millions in legal costs.

Deckers acquired the UGG Australia Trademark in 1995.

Mr Oygur had argued that “ugg” should never have been trademarked because it’s a common word in Australia.

But Deckers claimed it made ugg a global brand.

Mr Oygur was shattered at the decision.

“I’m absolutely devastated. I am no infringer of anybody, I’m just an ugg boot manufacturer, a small company in the western suburbs of Sydney,” My Oygur told Channel Seven.

“From how I am now it’s a big thing and all my life savings have just gone today.”

Mr Oygyur was supported in court by former Australian Senator and lawyer Nick Xenophon.

“It is not just a devastating blow for Eddie Oygur and Australia, it is a devastating blow for Australian jobs,” Mr Xenophon told AAP.

“The term ugg should never have been trademarked.

“It is not just a devastating blow for Eddie Oygur and Australia, it is a devastating blow for Australian jobs.”