The petition was launched in the wake of news that Australian Leather, a manufacturer of ugg boots, is facing an uphill battle in a US court where the global Decker Corporation is seeking to prevent it from describing its sheepskin boots as ugg boots.

The court action against the Sydney small business is the latest attempt by Deckers to trademark the word ugg.

Senator Xenophon has foreshadowed introducing legislation, if re-elected, into the Senate after the election that will protect the use by Australian companies of the term ugg.

“This legal action seems as ridiculous as an Australian company trademarking ‘apple pie’ in the US and preventing Americans from selling apple pies,” Senator Xenophon said.

Owners of Thornton sheepskin apparel manufacturer Mortels, have described the action by Deckers to ban other companies such as theirs using the word ugg, as petty.

Stephanie and Tony Mortel, who also manufacture sheepskin boots, said it is incredibly petty for Deckers to even consider the Australian manufacturers because their biggest threat comes out of China.

She said the majority of uggs sold in Australia are imported from China, de-tagged and then re-tagged as ugg boots and claim to be Australian made.

Senator Xenophon’s petition, which will be sent to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, has already snared 3436 signatures. “If this election is really all about jobs then the major parties need to stand up for genuine Australian businesses and ensure a level playing field,” Senator Xenophon said.

A Mercury poll asking if one company should be allowed to trademark the word ugg, received 190 votes with 88.42 percent voting “No” and 11.58 per cent voting “Yes.”