Steve Madden wants to cancel Dr. Martens's trademark

The never-ending story of plagiarism in fashion continues with a new chapter. This time, the protagonists are Steve Madden and Dr. Martens, two worldwide renowned footwear brands.

Last February, Dr. Martens accused Steve Madden of copying intentionally his iconic ankle boots, considered "unique and distinctive" by the English brand.

"Steve Madden's behavior in copying the Dr. Martens Trade Dress has been systematic and deliberate. Steve Madden has copied the Dr. Martens's trade dress and the overall style and configuration of Dr. Martens's boots and shoes in a deliberate and calculated attempt to trade On the popularity and distinctive appearance and design of Dr. Martens footwear"

So the footwear brand, famous especially in underground youth cultures, like the Punk, Ska, Skinhead and Grunge, said in its complaint. But Steve Madden did not stay silent. In addition to denying allegations of plagiarism, the American brand claimed that the parts considered "distinctive" by Dr. Martens – such as strings and silhouettes – are actually too general and functional elements of any type of shoe.

"The use of a sole edge with longitudinal ribbing and a dark color band over a light color, welt stitching and a tab at the top back heel of any style of footwear is generic, commonly used by third parties, and has never functioned, or Has been abandoned, as a source identifier for AirWair" claimed Steve Madden at a California court"

In conclusion, the American brand, in addition to expressing the will to reject the accusation of Dr. Martens, also requested that the US Patent and Trademark Office canceled the trademark that for years has protected the iconic style of the British brand. We just have to wait for new developments.