The former Australian surfer had been using UGGs for years

While the exact origins are in doubt, we do know the name of the man who was responsible for taking UGGs global. In 1979, Brian Smith established UGG Holdings, Inc. in the United States.ugg classic tall The former Australian surfer had been using UGGs for years, as they were a popular form of footwear with surfers Down Under.

Soon after Smith sold his company to Dickers Outdoor Corporation in 1995, the boots became a fashion trend. They first appeared on the famous feet of fashionable-conscious celebrities like Kate Hudson and Pamela Anderson, which meant they were also appearing on the covers of countless magazines. Before long, it seemed like every teenage girl in America was wearing them. In the blink of an eye the trend spread to Europe and then around the world. Sales of UGGs went from a respectable $14.5 million in 1995 to an incredible $689 million dollars in 2008, making them more than just a fashion fad. They were a trend.

To answer our original question, Dockers Outdoor Corporation was the American manufacturer that held the trademark to the UGGs name. ugg knit But in 2006, an Australian regulator agreed with the locals and removed UGG from the register of trademarks. This means that any company that wants to make UGGs-style boots can use the word in their name.