Skechers U.S.A., Inc. said it will vigorously defend a patent lawsuit filed against the company by Nike.
In the lawsuit, filed in California Federal Court on November 6, Nike claims Skechers’ Ultra Flex and Glide Step, among other shoe models, infringed on patents for its Flyknit upper technology for running, soccer and basketball shoes. Flyknit’s one-piece knitted upper uses fewer materials, generating less waste.
Skechers said, “We believe that this lawsuit is baseless. Many brands have been making shoes using knit uppers for years. Skechers has been designing shoes using various forms of knit uppers for close to a decade. Skechers respects the intellectual property rights of other companies and invests tremendous resources into developing its own unique styles and footwear technology rather than preying on the rights of others.
“Skechers believes that this lawsuit is an example of how Nike uses its vast financial resources to stifle competition rather than compete in the marketplace. Skechers also believes that Nike uses its market power in an attempt to monopolize the footwear and sports apparel industries through exclusive arrangements, which, as a practical matter, forecloses viable and meaningful competition for high-profile athletic sponsorships. Skechers expects to completely vindicate itself and is looking forward to its day in court.”
