Nike filed federal lawsuits against New Balance and Skechers, charging several New Balance shoes and Skechers sneakers with misusing the brand’s patented Flyknit technology for running, soccer and basketball shoes.
Nike’s lawsuits also claim its patented technology’s one-piece knitted uppers for sneakers use fewer materials and generate less waste, which Reuters reported.
Nike’s complaint against New Balance, filed in The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, charges that New Balance’s Fresh Foam, FuelCell and other shoe models violate Nike’s patent rights. Nike’s complaint against Skechers, filed with The U.S. District Court, Central District Of California (Los Angeles), claims Skechers’ Ultra Flex and Glide Step, among other models, infringe on its patents.
New Balance is headquartered in Boston, MA; Skechers is based in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Nike petitioned the courts for unspecified monetary damages and is asking the courts to permanently block New Balance and Skechers from infringing on its patents.
Nike sued Adidas, Puma and Lululemon earlier this year for infringing on its Flyknit patents. Adidas and Puma settled their lawsuits with Nike, while the case against Lululemon remains ongoing.
