Vibram S.p.A and Fila USA Inc. entered into a settlement agreement resolving its patent infringement lawsuit. Terms were not disclosed.
Vibram's lawsuit filed in July 2011 in Massachusetts had charged that Fila's “Skeletoes” footwear collection infringed on U.S. patents that cover Vibram's FiveFingers product. Beyond their minimal construction, FiveFingers is best known for their unique shape, which includes an individual casing for each toe. Vibram launched the concept in 2005. Skeletoes features a four-toe design in a similar look, with the fourth toe and the little toe sharing a pocket.
Officials from both companies declined comment. However, sales of Skeletoes remained available last week on Fila.com and on Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line, Academy Sports and other websites although many at steep discounts.
