Deckers Loses Patent Battle Over Ugg Ultra Mini Boot as Jury Invalidates Design, Quince Triumphs
A federal jury in California delivered a split verdict on Wednesday in the high-stakes patent dispute between Ugg brand owner Deckers Outdoor Corp. and direct-to-consumer lifestyle label Quince, ultimately ruling that Deckers’ design patent for the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boot is invalid — a win for Quince and the broader “dupe culture” movement.
After a four-day trial, the jury found that Quince’s Australian Shearling Mini Boot did infringe Deckers’ U.S. design patent, meaning it copied the distinctive shape and proportions of the Ugg Ultra Mini. But the same jury concluded the patent itself was invalid, effectively neutralizing any damages award and allowing Quince to continue selling its version without liability.
“This was a split decision that avoided a jury finding of liability and an award of damages for Quince,” said Ben Katzenellenbogen, chair of Knobbe Martens’ design patent litigation practice, who is not involved in the case. He added that Quince is likely to interpret the invalidity finding as ammunition for its ongoing antitrust counterclaims, which accuse Deckers of using baseless litigation to maintain a monopoly over basic boot features like suede uppers, shearling linings, rounded toes and thick soles.
Quince originally filed an antitrust complaint against Deckers in February, alleging the footwear giant had filed “template” patent lawsuits to intimidate competitors and stifle innovation in the affordable shearling-boot segment. The invalidated patent — U.S. Patent No. D908,342 — covered the ornamental design of the Ugg Ultra Mini, a style that has become a cultural staple and sales juggernaut for Deckers. The company’s legal strategy has long been a cornerstone of its brand protection, but the jury’s invalidity finding undermines that approach and could embolden other fast-fashion and DTC brands to challenge similar design patents.
The case also highlights the growing friction between heritage brands and the “dupe culture” that has flourished on social media and through low-cost, influencer-driven retailers like Quince. Legal experts say the outcome may prompt Deckers to rethink its reliance on design patents for protecting silhouette-based intellectual property, especially in an era where minor tweaks can create legally distinct alternatives.
Neither Deckers nor Quince immediately commented on potential appeals. However, Katzenellenbogen noted that a verdict on validity is appealable, and the Federal Circuit could revisit the patentability of the Ugg design. For now, Quince retains the ability to market its $180 shearling mini boot — priced significantly below Ugg’s $225 version — without the threat of immediate damages.
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