A Highland, Utah-based shoe company, Leaper Footwear, has filed suit
against Apple and Nike over the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. According to
documents filed in Utah's District Court indicate. Leaper's founders,
Greg and Kenny Anderson, claim the Sport Kit violates a 1998 patent,
which involves the use of custom footwear to track performance, such as
running/walking speed and distances traveled.
According to the lawsuit, Leaper approached Nike in 2000, suggesting to
the company that it could license Leaper's concept. Though the offer
was rejected, the Andersons charge that Apple and Nike exploited their
idea anyway, announcing Nike+iPod in May 2006.
Leaper seeks an injunction against the Sport Kit, plus legal fees and damages.
