In Australia the flat-soled, sheepskin boots are considered a quintessentially Australian clothing item, and as a result "ugg boots" is considered a generic term for the style and is used by multiple manufacturers.

However in 1999 "UGG Australia" was successfully registered as a trademark of Deckers Corporation, which has an annual turnover of $2.4 billion. That trademark now stands in the US, China and the EU, meaning Australian manufacturers like Mr Oygur are unable to sell in overseas markets.

"Since 2009 we have missed out on one [overseas] order for 200,000 pairs a year, and another order to Germany for 75,000 pairs. From just those alone I have lost a minimum of $20 million in business," he said.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/australian-ugg-boot-manufacturer...