Steve Madden says it is hard to be original in the footwear business, but “We always try to do our own thing.” The company has been hit with lawsuits over allegations that Steve Madden copied other concepts, but Madden said the lawsuits are not so common, implying that it is surprising there haven’t been more of them.
“Listen, I’m copied more than anybody in the shoe business. No one is copied more than Steve Madden. No one.”
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Well, there’s no business like shoe business.
“If you go the the Chinese guys, ” explains Madden, “SoCal with all the Chinese mafia, they live in my stores. They bring all the samples back.”
Balenciaga has yet again sued Steve Madden for allegedly copying. This time, it claims that its “Motorcycle Handbag” design was lifted by Steve Madden. Balenciaga wants to bar Madden from selling the handbags and is asking for monetary compensation. The same company sued Steve Madden in 2009 “intentionally copying” a colorful Lego heel that was made famous by Beyonce. Balenciaga’s shoe sold for over $4, 000, while Madden’s version had a price tag of $99.95. In 2003, Adidas sued Steve Madden for using its famous three striped decal.
While the similarities between some of his own products and those of other companies might be merely coincidental, many recall his 41-month prison term, depicted in the 2013 film, Wolf of Wall Street, for stock manipulation and securities fraud.
