NEW YORK, July 16 (Reuters) - LL Bean has been sued by

footwear maker Skechers USA ( SKX ), which accused the clothing

and outdoor gear company of illegally copying its shoes, which

have sold in the millions.

According to a complaint filed late Monday in Manhattan

federal court, the world's third-largest footwear company

believes LL Bean's Freeport casual shoes infringe two patented

designs for "heel cups" that surround the back of the foot.

Skechers called its designs "unique and eye-catching"

because they use "graceful, sweeping, gently rolling lines and

slopes" resembling the shape of a heel.

"Only after Skechers incurred the substantial risk and

monumental expense of developing and promoting its shoes with

these heel cup designs, and established that they had broad

appeal, did LL Bean enter the market with its infringing shoe,"

Skechers said.

LL Bean did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests

for comment. Skechers' lawyers did not immediately respond to

similar requests.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including triple

damages for any willful infringement, and to stop sales of

infringing shoes.

Skechers sued at a time many Americans concerned about

inflation keep a lid on discretionary spending.

The Freeport shoes, sharing the name of LL Bean's Maine

hometown, retail for $99 on LL Bean's website.

LL Bean is privately held, and was founded in 1912. Skechers

was founded 80 years later and is based in Manhattan Beach,

California.

The case is Skechers USA Inc ( SKX ) et al v LL Bean Inc, U.S.

District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-05336.