Crocs and its subsidiary Jibbitz Charms filed a lawsuit on September 18 in federal court in Colorado against discount retailer Five Below.
The complaint accuses Five Below of infringing patents and trademarks by selling knockoff clogs and accessories.
The lawsuit targets Five Below's Juniors Charm Clog and related decorative charms.
Crocs alleges the products imitate the distinctive shape, hole arrangement, and charm attachment systems of its Classic Clog.
According to court filings, Crocs sent a cease-and-desist letter on March 4.
The Philadelphia-based discount chain continued selling the disputed items, the filings state.
Price Gap and Alleged Confusion
The legal action emphasizes a notable price gap between the two brands.
Five Below sells its Juniors Charm Clogs for $7 online, while Crocs offers children's versions for roughly $40 and adult styles between $50 and $75.
The lawsuit claims Five Below's lower-priced imitations intentionally trade on Crocs' brand investment and threaten to cause consumer confusion.
Crocs is seeking a jury trial, an injunction to stop sales, destruction of infringing inventory, legal fees, and unspecified monetary damages for lost profits.
Five Below operates over 2,000 stores across 46 states under CEO Winnie Park.
The company has not publicly commented on the litigation.
The contested clogs were no longer visible on display in select retail locations.
