126 Years of Innovation: The Footwear Utility Patent Milestone

126 Years of Innovation: The Footwear Utility Patent Milestone

Footwear IP has come a long way since the first utility patent was granted in 1899. While a lot has changed in 126 years, the critical importance of Intellectual Property protection in the footwear industry has remained constant.

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Tariffs & Footwear: Why Design Matters More Than Ever

Tariffs & Footwear: Why Design Matters More Than Ever

U.S. tariffs on imported footwear add significant costs to an industry where 99% of shoes sold in the U.S. are made overseas.… For many footwear companies, the instinctive response is to cut costs wherever possible—and unfortunately, design and development are often among the first areas to suffer. But in a competitive market where fresh styles and innovation drive sales, cutting back on design is the wrong move. Respond strategically rather than reactively.

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Protecting Your Designs: Key Points on Footwear Intellectual Property

Protecting Your Designs: Key Points on Footwear Intellectual Property

Protecting your footwear designs is crucial in today’s competitive market. This post explores key strategies, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, to safeguard your unique shoe creations. Learn the importance of NDAs, IP registration, and why working with experienced footwear designers and IP attorneys is essential to securing and enforcing your rights.

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Why Hiring a Footwear Design and Development Consultant Is Your Best Bet

Why Hiring a Footwear Design and Development Consultant Is Your Best Bet

In today's dynamic footwear industry, many companies find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to seeking external expertise. The decision between hiring a footwear design consultant or a freelancer can be a pivotal one, with implications for your projects’ success and your bottom line.

Here's why we believe opting for a consultant is the strategic move you need to take.

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A Pretty Drawing Isn’t Enough: Why Technical Expertise Is Vital to Exceptional Footwear Design

A Pretty Drawing Isn’t Enough: Why Technical Expertise Is Vital to Exceptional Footwear Design

In footwear design, it’s imperative not to let the allure of a striking Photoshop rendering overshadow the complex process and technical expertise that truly define outstanding shoe design. In other words, successful footwear design goes far beyond drawing shoes. It encompasses a blend of creativity, experience, communication, a deep understanding of consumer needs and wants, and technical expertise.

In this post, we explore why technical expertise is crucial when designing and developing top-notch footwear.

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