Diadora America Inc. and Diadora SpA filed a lawsuit against Skechers USA Inc. for allegedly infringing on its trademark with the launch of Skechers's Luger-Strafe sneaker.   According to court documents obtained by Sports Executive Weekly, the Italian footwear and apparel company alleged that the Luger-Strafe line infringes on its Diadora logo. According to exhibits included with the complaint filed with the U.S. District Court in Seattle, WA, Diadora has had a registered trademark for the shape in question since 1985.

In the legal documents, Diadora said, “Skechers deliberately employs a mark substantially identical to the Diadora logo, with knowledge of Diadora’s long prior use, to mislead and confuse consumers into believing that Skechers’ goods are provided, sponsored or approved by Diadora and to intentionally profit from Diadora’s goodwill.”


According to Diadora, its logo appears on its signature soccer shoes in addition to other specialty athletic footwear and apparel and an expanded line of casual everyday shoes.


The complaint included allegations of federal and state trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution. Diadora asked the court for a preliminary and permanent injunction barring Skechers from using the logo.  It also asked the court to order Skechers to recall and destroy all the allegedly infringing goods, as well as costs to cover unspecified financial damages and trial costs.