Americans have relied on L.L. Bean for footwear of all kinds, especially cold-weather gear like their iconic Bean Boots. The company sells different sorts of shoes and designs, but one in particular has landed them in some legal trouble.

The Freeport-based retailer is accused of intentionally and willfully plagiarizing a patented 'heel cup' that is featured on millions of Skechers shoes.

Skechers is the third-biggest footwear company globally. It alleges that L.L.Bean designed similar shoes after Skechers invested significant resources, in developing and marketing the original designs.

LL Bean has been sued by footwear maker Skechers USA, 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,

Footwear manufacturer Skechers USA has sued Freeport-based L.L.Bean in federal court over claims the Maine company copied part of the design of its shoes. The suit, filed Monday in New York City, alleges that L.L.Bean’s Freeport shoe uses a “heel cup” design that resembles a common external heel design Skechers uses, and has a patent.