DR. MARTENS
Dr. Martens has been registered in the UK for footwear since the Griggs family of Wollaston, Northamptonshire began manufacturing the boots in 1960 under licence from German inventor Klaus Märtens. The 1460 boot became a symbol of successive British subcultures, from skinheads to punks to grunge. The brand's trademark registration covers its distinctive yellow stitching, grooved sole, and heel loop, which together function as protectable trade dress.
UK IPO Record
Trademark Classification
Nice Class 25 covers clothing & footwear. View all Class 25 trademarks and case studies →
Brand History & Trademark Analysis
R. Griggs Group bought the patent rights to manufacture Dr. Martens shoes in the UK in 1959, introducing the distinctive yellow stitching as a brand identifier. The landmark case R Griggs Group v Evans (2003–2005) concerned copyright ownership of the combined Dr Martens logo designed in 1988; both the High Court and Court of Appeal ruled in Griggs' favour. In 2025, the Brussels Court of Appeal confirmed that the yellow stitching and sole pattern constitute distinctive trademarks owned by Airwair.