New Balance responded to the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling that Converse’s registered and common law trademarks in the Chuck Taylor midsole design was invalid.
“We are extremely pleased that the International Trade Commission fully supported New Balance’s position that the alleged Converse midsole trademark is invalid,” said Amy Dow, a spokesperson for New Balance. “While New Balance respects competitors’ valid intellectual property rights and enforces its own trademarks in footwear, no single company owns the exclusive right to make classic athletic footwear with the combination of a toe cap, toe bumper, and midsole stripes as Converse claimed in this case. PF FLYERS has an 80 year heritage of producing classic American sneakers that are embedded in American sports and youth culture. This decision protects the brand’s valuable rights to continue making these classic shoes as it has since 1937.”
