Crocs, Inc. is a shoe manufacturer founded by entrepreneur George B. Boedecker, Jr. to produce and distribute a plastic clog originally acquired from a Canadian company. Originally developed as a spa shoe, the first model, the Crocs Beach, was unveiled in 2002 at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, selling out the 200 pairs produced at that time.Fashion Attack, Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2007-07-05. Retrieved 2007-08-25.

The product line has remained popular, and has the characteristics of a sustained fad, with both ardent support and disapproval.

Crocs has been the title sponsor of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour since 2006.

Manufacture and patents

In June 2004, Crocs purchased Foam Creations and their manufacturing operations to secure exclusive rights to the proprietary foam resin "croslite", which is made using ethylene vinyl acetate. The foam forms itself to a wearer's feet and offers purported medical benefits, according to a number of podiatrists.

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. The Company also 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.[http://sec.edgar-online.com/2006/08/14/0001104659-06-054218/Section13.asp CROCS, INC.

As of December 31, 2007, they have applied to register Crocs and the Crocs logo as trademarks in over 40 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S., but such applications have not been approved and are currently 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.

Products

Crocs come in a variety of styles. They are usually manufactured in their own facilities in China, but they are also made in Florida, Mexico, Bosnia and Italy. They do use some 3rd party manufacturers.