ASICS America Corporation and ASICS Corporation Japan have filed a lawsuit in the US District Court, Central District of California against Skechers U.S.A., Inc. for trademark infringement, unfair competition, trademark dilution and false advertising. ASICS is seeking a permanent injunction against Skechers to prevent any future sales and distribution of shoes that bear a stripe design similar to ASICS' stripe design. In addition, ASICS is also seeking damages, including profits and attorney fees.
ASICS claims that The Skechers SHOWDOWN, SAVOY, URBAN SPIKE HIP HOP and JUNCTIONS all sold by Skechers and have a stripe design confusingly similar to that of ASICS' stripes. “These shoes are an attempt to free-ride on the ASICS brand image and goodwill associated with our stripe mark that we have developed over the years,” says Michael Zall, Vice President and General Counsel for ASICS America Corporation. “ASICS has spent over 40 years building a world-renowned premium brand and nurturing the goodwill represented by this mark. We will do what we must to protect the ASICS brand and to maintain its integrity.”
