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Crocs holds one patent covering various utility aspects of its footwear, U.S. Patent No. [http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US6993858 6993858] B2 issued February 7, 2006, and three design patents covering various ornamental aspects, U.S. Patent Nos. [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517788.html D517788], [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517789.html D517789], and [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517790.html D517790] issued on March 28, 2006.
Crocs holds one patent covering various utility aspects of its footwear, U.S. Patent No. [http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US6993858 6993858] B2 issued February 7, 2006, and three design patents covering various ornamental aspects, U.S. Patent Nos. [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517788.html D517788], [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517789.html D517789], and [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D517790.html D517790] issued on March 28, 2006.


Crocs announced that it has filed complaints with the [[U.S. International Trade Commission]] (ITC) and the [[U.S. Federal District Court]] against 11 companies that manufacture, import or distribute products, called Crock-offs, that Crocs believes infringe its patents.<ref name=2006sec>[http://sec.edgar-online.com/2006/08/14/0001104659-06-054218/Section13.asp "CROCS, INC. Form:10-Q"]. Filing Date: August 14 2006.</ref> <ref>http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/07/18/more-payless-quot-croc-offs-quot-being-recalled.aspx</ref>
Crocs announced that it has filed complaints with the [[U.S. International Trade Commission]] (ITC) and the [[U.S. Federal District Court]] against 11 companies that manufacture, import or distribute products, called Crock-offs, that Crocs believes infringe its patents.<ref name=2006sec>[http://sec.edgar-online.com/2006/08/14/0001104659-06-054218/Section13.asp "CROCS, INC. Form:10-Q"]. Filing Date: August 14 2006.</ref> The [[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]] has mandated the recall of fake crocs as a choking hazard due to the plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe detaching,<ref>http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07236.html</ref>. <ref>http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/07/18/more-payless-quot-croc-offs-quot-being-recalled.aspx</ref>


As of December 31, 2007, they had applied to register Crocs and the Crocs logo as trademarks in over 40 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S., but many such applications have not been approved and are pending. In addition, they have recently extended the scope of their trademark registrations and applications for both the Crocs mark and logo to cover non-footwear products such as sunglasses, goggles, knee pads, watches, luggage, and some of their internet sales activities.<ref name=2007sec>{{cite web |url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1334036/000104746908002093/a2183219z10-k.htm |title=2007 Crocs annual SEC Report |accessdate=2008-11-26 |work= |publisher=Crocs/SEC |date=January 31, 2008}}</ref>
As of December 31, 2007, they had applied to register Crocs and the Crocs logo as trademarks in over 40 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S., but many such applications have not been approved and are pending. In addition, they have recently extended the scope of their trademark registrations and applications for both the Crocs mark and logo to cover non-footwear products such as sunglasses, goggles, knee pads, watches, luggage, and some of their internet sales activities.<ref name=2007sec>{{cite web |url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1334036/000104746908002093/a2183219z10-k.htm |title=2007 Crocs annual SEC Report |accessdate=2008-11-26 |work= |publisher=Crocs/SEC |date=January 31, 2008}}</ref>

Revision as of 12:34, 17 July 2011

Crocs, Inc.
Company typePublic
Nasdaq: CROX
IndustryWholesale Trade, Retail & Consumer Services, Clothing & Clothing Accessories
Founded2002
FounderScott Seamans, Lyndon "Duke" Hanson, and George Boedecker, Jr.
HeadquartersLongmont, Colorado
United States
Key people
Richard L. Sharp (President),
John P. McCarvel (President and CEO)
ProductsShoes
RevenueUS$721.6M (2008)[1]
US$-187.7M (2008)[2]
US$-2.24 million (2008)Decrease[1]
Total assetsUS$279.4M[1]
Number of employees
3,700 (2008)[1]
Websitewww.crocs.com

Crocs, Inc. is a shoe manufacturer founded by 3 friends - Scott Seamans, Lyndon "Duke" Hanson, and George Boedecker, Jr.[3] - to produce and distribute a foam clog design acquired from a Quebec company called Foam Creations. The shoe had originally been developed as a spa shoe. The first model produced by Crocs, the Beach, was unveiled in 2002 at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida, and sold out the 200 pairs produced at that time.[4]

Crocs was the title sponsor of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour from 2006 through the 2009 season.[5][6]

Manufacture and patents

Same model of Crocs are available in different colors.

In June 2004, Crocs purchased Foam Creations and their manufacturing operations to secure exclusive rights to the proprietary foam resin called Croslite.[7][8] The foam forms itself to a wearer's feet and offers purported medical benefits, according to a number of podiatrists.[9][10] Crocs holds one patent covering various utility aspects of its footwear, U.S. Patent No. 6993858 B2 issued February 7, 2006, and three design patents covering various ornamental aspects, U.S. Patent Nos. D517788, D517789, and D517790 issued on March 28, 2006.

Crocs announced that it has filed complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and the U.S. Federal District Court against 11 companies that manufacture, import or distribute products, called Crock-offs, that Crocs believes infringe its patents.[11] The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has mandated the recall of fake crocs as a choking hazard due to the plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe detaching,[12]. [13]

As of December 31, 2007, they had applied to register Crocs and the Crocs logo as trademarks in over 40 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S., but many such applications have not been approved and are pending. In addition, they have recently extended the scope of their trademark registrations and applications for both the Crocs mark and logo to cover non-footwear products such as sunglasses, goggles, knee pads, watches, luggage, and some of their internet sales activities.[14]

Products

File:Crocs.jpg
A Crocs display in a shop.

Crocs come in a variety of styles. They are usually manufactured in Crocs facilities in Canada and Mexico, and contract manufacturers in Italy, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and China.

The shoes are produced in a wide array of colors depending on the model. The Beach and Cayman styles are available in more than 20 colors; most other styles are produced in a palette of four to six colors or two-color combinations.

Crocs also sells other fashion accessories. Jibbitz are decorations which can be clipped to the ventilation holes of the Crocs. These include designs mainly aimed at children featuring Disney characters. The company has also released a line of purses that are also produced in a wide array of colors.

A "Fuzz Collection" with removable woolly liners extend the range into winter wear.

In 2008 Crocs entered the golf shoe marketplace. Crocs acquired golf shoe manufacturer, Bite Footwear and have introduced a Croc-styled pair of golf shoes, the Ace.[15]

Health and safety

Some Crocs shoes were tested and recommended by the U.S. Ergonomics company in 2005[16] and were accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association[17] in 2009.[9] In 2008, the U.S. government Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a model of Crocs with molded insoles as diabetic footwear, to help wearers avoid foot injuries.[18]

Footwear such as Crocs and flip-flops came under scrutiny in 2006 in the U.S. and 2008 in Japan when children suffered injuries after the shoes became caught in escalator mechanisms.[19][20] This was due to the softness of the shoe's material combined with the smaller size of children's feet.[21]

Internationally, few healthcare facilities introduced policies in 2007 concerning Crocs. Rapid City Regional Hospital in South Dakota changed its dress code to prohibit the sandal variants and those with holes, citing safety concerns, but allowed closed-top "Professional" and the healthcare-focused "Rx" Crocs to be worn.[22] Over one hundred hospitals in Canada were advised to implement similar policies.[23][24] Blekinge and Karolinska University hospitals in Sweden banned the wearing of "Forsberg slippers" (Foppatofflor)[25] by staff, due to high voltage static electricity buildup which was observed[26] to interfere with electronic equipment.[27][28][29] City hospitals in Vienna, Austria announced banning Crocs, often worn by nursing staff, to comply with antistatic requirements.[30]

Crocs announced the Fuse and two others in 2009, formulated to dissipate static electricity in accordance with European standard EN ISO 20347:2004 (E), for use in the medical sector.[31]

Acquisitions

Various types of Crocs with accessories.

In October 2006, Crocs Inc. purchased Jibbitz, a manufacturer of popular accessories that snap into the holes in Crocs shoes, for $10 million, or $20 million if Jibbitz met earnings goals.[32]

In January 2007, Crocs acquired assets of Ocean Minded[33] for $1.75 million in cash, plus potentially $3.75 million based on performance. Ocean Minded makes leather and ethylene-vinyl acetate-based footwear.[14] In July 2007 Crocs agreed to buy shoe and sandalmaker Bite Footwear, based in Redmond, Washington for $1.75 million, or up to double that based on earnings results.[34]

In April 2008, Crocs acquired Tidal Trade, Inc. ("Tidal Trade"), the Company's third party distributor in South Africa, for $4.6 million. The Company recorded $1.4 million in customer relationships on the date of acquisition. Crocs repurchased inventory previously sold to Tidal Trade and accordingly recognized a reduction of revenue of approximately $2.1 million.[15] Also in April the Company acquired Tagger International B.V. ("Tagger"), a private limited liability company incorporated under the Netherlands law that manufactures messenger bags. Tagger was partially owned by the Managing Director of Crocs Europe B.V. The Company acquired all Tagger assets for $2 million: $90,000 for inventory and $1.9 million for the Tagger trademark.[15] Later in June Crocs liquidated Fury, Inc. two years after acquiring it,[35] after efforts to sell it off were unsuccessful. As a result, Crocs wrote off $250,000 related to the remaining customer relationships, intangible assets and trademarks over three months.[15]

Fashion

File:RTBM-07-08-24.jpg
Bill Maher New Rule: Stop wearing plastic shoes.

Opinions are polarized about Crocs shoes; many regard them as comfortable and colorfully decorated, others see them as a fashion disaster,[36] and a subculture has emerged of vocal opponents of the shoes. A Washington Post article described the phenomenon: "Nor is the fashion world enamored of Crocs. Though their maker touts their 'ultra-hip Italian styling,' lots of folks find them hideous."[9] Tim Gunn, fashion consultant, told Time Magazine, "...the Croc - it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously?"[37] A blog named "I Hate Crocs dot com" follows opposition to the original "luridly coloured Swiss cheese clog-footwear".[38] The Facebook group "I Don't Care How Comfortable Crocs Are, You Look Like a Dumbass", dedicated to eliminating the shoes, has over 1.4 million "likers" as of July 2010.[39]

Media

The shoes have been targets of satire: on Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher called for a "New rule: stop wearing plastic shoes," over a photo of Crocs,[40] and The Daily Show "Senior Public Restroom Correspondent" Rob Corddry, following up on the Senator Larry Craig June 2007 lewd conduct arrest, "reported" that anyone wearing Crocs is signalling "anything goes."[41] Commentators have noted that social networking sites are collectively allowing individuals to share their distaste for Crocs.[42] Crocs are #6 on the "Worst" list of Maxim's "The 10 Best & Worst Things to Happen to Men in 2007."[43]

In 2007, then-President George W. Bush wore black Crocs with socks publicly.[44] In August 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted wearing Crocs with her daughter.[45] In late 2009, the company changed marketing direction, away from fashion and towards comfort, betting that their long-term prospects would be best served by appealing to workers who spend a lot of time on their feet. In May 2010, Time Magazine listed Crocs as one of the world's 50 Worst Inventions.[46]

Stocks

On October 31, 2007 the stock CROX dropped from $75 per share to slightly under $40 (its value six months previously) when the company announced decreased revenue projections.[47][48][49][50][51][52][53] On April 14, 2008, during the midst of the Credit crunch of 2008, the stock dropped 30% in after-hours trading after the company issued a press release in which they significantly guided down earnings estimates for the first quarter. In the same statement they also said they would lay off its 600 Quebec City factory employees as retailers have been reducing orders, though about 100 sales and marketing positions will remain. "The retail environment in the U.S. has become increasingly challenging as consumer spending and traffic levels have slowed," Chief Executive Officer Ron Snyder said. During the financial crisis, CROX dropped to as low as $.79 before rebounding ($15.50 by November 2010) and outperforming the market in general.[54]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Profile:Crocs". Hoover's. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  2. ^ "Crocs, Inc. Q2 2009 Earnings Call Transcript". August 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  3. ^ Anderson, Diane (November 3, 2006). "When Crocs attack, an ugly shoe tale". Business 2.0 magazine, CNN.
  4. ^ Wellington, Elizabeth (July 5, 2007)."Fashion Attack". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-08-25.
  5. ^ "Crocs snaps up beach volleyball sponsorship". SportBusiness.com. February 27, 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-9-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ Sage, Alexandria (August 10, 2009). "Beach volleyball tour says Crocs ending sponsorship". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  7. ^ Maniscalco, Michelle (2007). "E-shots Web-exclusive: Patent check: What's in a Croc?". Injection Molding Magazine. Retrieved 2007-07-31. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ US 6993858 
  9. ^ a b c Huget, Jennifer (August 1, 2006). "Not Such A Croc". Washington Post. pp. HE01. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  10. ^ "Form 10-K for Crocs Inc." "Crocs 2006 Annual Report". Yahoo!Finance. March 31, 2006. Archive. Accessed 2007-04-29.
  11. ^ "CROCS, INC. Form:10-Q". Filing Date: August 14 2006.
  12. ^ http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07236.html
  13. ^ http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/07/18/more-payless-quot-croc-offs-quot-being-recalled.aspx
  14. ^ a b "2007 Crocs annual SEC Report". Crocs/SEC. January 31, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  15. ^ a b c d "SEC 2008 3rd Quarter Report". Crocs. September 31, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Costello, Kevin (March 7, 2005). "Ergonomics Analyses of Crocs Footwear. Prepared for Crocs Inc."(PDF) us-ergo.com; U.S. Ergonomics. Archived at Open24.lt. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  17. ^ "Footwear with APMA Seal of Acceptance" apma.org; American Podiatric Medical Association. October 7, 2009. Note: CrocsRX is a Corporate Partner in APMA at the $100000-$249999 contributions level per APMA.org. 2009.
  18. ^ AP (July 18, 2008). "Crocs get a lift from diabetics as medical agency OKs footwear". Denver Post, based on Crocs press release. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  19. ^ Snow, Kate (October 5, 2006). "Crocs can pose a danger on escalators". ABC News.. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
  20. ^ AP (April 21, 2008). "Kids Hurt While Wearing Crocs on Escalators". ABC Business News. Retrieved 2009-11-05.
  21. ^ "Experts recommend caution while wearing clogs" WMC-TV Memphis Tennessee. September 21, 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
  22. ^ Garrigan, Mary (February 1, 2007). "Holey Crocs get the boot at Regional Hospital" Rapid City Journal. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  23. ^ Talaga, Tanya (July 24, 2007). "No Crocs for docs and nurses?" The Toronto Star. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
  24. ^ AP and Olafson, Joe (July 31, 2007). "Crocs clampdown sparks health-care debate". CTV News.
  25. ^ Foppatofflor is a Swedish nickname for Crocs, after Peter "Foppa" Forsberg, Sweden's Crocs importer.
  26. ^ "Requirements to stop slippers after dangerous incidents". Dagens Medicin (SE). April 18, 2007. (English translation). Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  27. ^ "Swedish hospital to ban 'Foppatoffels'" The Local (Sweden), April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
  28. ^ AP (April 19, 2007). "Plastic clogs disrupt machinery in Swedish hospital" Guardian Unlimited (AP). Retrieved April 19, 2007.
  29. ^ "Karolinska prohibits foppa slippers". Dagens Medicin (SE), April 27, 2007. (English translation). Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  30. ^ SAPA-AFP (August 12, 2008). "Vienna hospitals ban Crocs" Mail & Guardian Online. Retrieved August 13, 2008.
  31. ^ Staines, Richard (March 31, 2009). "New anti-static crocs shoe produced for use in hospitals". Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  32. ^ "Crocs closes on Jibbitz purchase". Denver Business Journal. December 5, 2006. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  33. ^ "Ocean Minded website". Ocean Minded. August 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
  34. ^ "Crocs will buy Wash. shoemaker". Denver Business Journal. July 30, 2007. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
  35. ^ "CROCS(TM) Inc. Announces Acquisition of Fury". lexdon.com; Lexdon Business Library. January 11, 2007. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  36. ^ Madden, Mike (July 27, 2009). "Admit it -- you used to wear Crocs - The Brand Graveyard". Salon.com. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  37. ^ Luscombe, Belinda (July 10, 2008). "10 Questions for Tim Gunn". Time Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  38. ^ Ravina, Vincenzo (May 2010). IHateCrocsdotcom.blogspot.com. (The original website http://ihatecrocs.com is offline as of June 2008). Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  39. ^ Smith, Kat; Curelea, Alex (2008). "I Dont care How Comfortable Crocs Are, You Look Like A Dumbass". Facebook.com. Retrieved 2010-07-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) As of 21 July 2010: 1,436,193.
  40. ^ "August 24, 2007". Real Time with Bill Maher. Season 5. Episode 105. 2007-08-24. 51.5 minutes in. HBO. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help) "It was only a year ago when only pre-schoolers and mental patients wore these. But now grownups, all over America, have gone Croc crazy. The latest step in our unending quest to dress as casually as humanly possible. You know, I used to wear flip-flops, but they were a little dressy. I want clothing I can hose down! Admit it: we're a nation of slobs who won't be happy until we can go to the mall in a diaper."
  41. ^ "September 10, 2007". The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Episode 12112. 2007-09-10. 10 minutes in. Comedy Central. ...Oh, and Jon, anyone in those brightly colored plastic Crocs? That means anything goes. We're talking hardcore ass-[censored] stuff - scat play. And Jon, that's not just in bathrooms. Anytime you see anyone wearing crocs, be aware. ... If they're wearing Crocs, they are soliciting incredibly depraved gay sex. You can take that to the bank. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ Walker, Rob (July 15, 2007). "Croc On". New York Times Magazine; New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  43. ^ "The 10 Best and Worst Things to Happen to Men in 2007". Maxim Magazine. Dennis Digital Inc. Retrieved 2007-12-25. [dead link]
  44. ^ Gilbert, Sarah (June 14, 2007). "George Bush cozy with Crocs CEO: An ugly tide that raises two boats?" bloggingstocks.com; AOL Money & Finance. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  45. ^ Brandon, Alex (AP) (August 2009). "Style Evolution:Michelle Obama (image 60 of 123)" (Flash). StyleList.com. AOL.com. Retrieved 2010-06-26. During a trip to Martha's Vineyard in August 2009, Michelle Obama went casual in sky blue Crocs. According to the company, she's wearing the Malindi style--and they match perfectly with daughter Sasha's outfit.
  46. ^ Oloffson, Kristi (May 27, 2010). "The 50 Worst Inventions". time.com. Time Magazine. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  47. ^ "CROX: Basic Chart for CROCS, INC. - Yahoo! Finance".
  48. ^ Wolf, Jeffrey (November 1, 2007). "Crocs Shares Plummet on 3Q Earnings Released". 9News.com (AP); Multimedia Holdings Corp. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  49. ^ Lomax, Alyce (November 1, 2007). "Crocs Chokes". The Motley Fool.
  50. ^ Staff (November 1, 2007). "Crocs Gets Stomped". TheStreet.com. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  51. ^ "Ahead of the bell, Crocs sinks". Yahoo Business (AP), November 1, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-11-03.
  52. ^ "UPDATE 2-Crocs outlook lags Wall Street, shares tumble". Reuters. October 31, 2007.
  53. ^ Yared, Georges (October 30, 2007). "Crocs Eats Shorts". Forbes.com LLC.
  54. ^ TraderMark (August 30, 2009). "67 stocks returning 50%+ this past month". Seeking Alpha. Retrieved 2009-09-25.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Crocs.
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