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Shoe corp to hunt firms wearing its ‘skins’
New York-based apparel manufacturer, Skins Inc, announced on 20 November that the USPTO had approved a patent application for its cornerstone design – a novel take on the structure of footwear that has had industry-watchers buzzing for months. The firm’s Skins and Bones concept comprises an orthapaedic inner support frame, or ‘bone’, that can be fitted with one of several different outer ‘skins’ in order to make a shoe-like garment. The selling-point of the design, offering a fresh vision of footwear, is that the multi-styled outers can be swapped around to the wearer’s preference.
The PTO’s advance notice of approval enables Skins Inc to conduct itself as if in full possession of a patent, leaving it free to litigate against any imitators that may have emerged during the pendency period.
Earlier this month, Skins had announced its intention to launch a Spring/Summer ’07 range in January, swelling market-confidence in its brand. Skins president and CEO, Mark Klein, said at the time: ‘We believe the unique Skins concept has created a new retail category that bridges the gap between footwear and apparel – positioning Skins as fashionable attire rather than just a functional necessity.’
Of the USPTO’s latest news, he commented: ‘The allowance from the US Patent and Trademark office marks a major milestone for Skins Inc. This legitimizes and protects our revolutionary footwear and allows us to move forward with our long-term, intellectual property strategy. We intend on continuing to strengthen our position within the footwear industry. Our patents and cutting-edge product design will be a cornerstone for future business as we look to license our technology and enter new markets.’
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