Dr. Martens maker sues online retailer Yoox over lookalike boots

Airwair International Ltd, the company that makes Dr. Martens, is suing Yoox-Net-A-Porter Group for selling shoes that, it claims, look too much like its iconic lace-up boots.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleges trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition which first reported the story.

Dr. Martens is reportedly calling for a preliminary injunction against the online retailer.

This isn’t the first time the British brand has sued a competitor for ripping off its designs.

In 2017, Airwair International slapped US-based shoe brand Steve Madden with a lawsuit for trademark infringement, claiming that it unlawfully copied Dr. Martens’ two tone grooved sole edge, DMS undersole and heel loop.

In 2013, the company sued US-based shoe brand Chinese Laundry, citing similar trademark infringements.