Nike sues New Balance and Skechers over patent infringement (2024)

FAQs

Did Nike file lawsuits against Skechers and New Balance? ›

In two separate complaints filed Nov. 6, Nike accused New Balance and Skechers of infringing on its patented Flyknit technology in several of their shoe models. In the complaint filed against Skechers in California, Nike said that Skechers' Slip-ins, Go Walk and Ultra Flex shoe lines infringe on its Flyknit technology.

Sports apparel giant Nike is suing two of its competitors, arguing that New Balance and Skechers are wrongfully using technology that Nike developed for making shoes light-weight and strong.

In November 2023, Nike fired the first shot, filing patent infringement lawsuits against New Balance and Skechers in federal courts, claiming unauthorized use of Flyknit technology in various footwear models.

Nike claimed that BAPE's footwear business "revolves around copying Nike's iconic designs," and that some of its shoes are "near verbatim" copies of Nike's Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk sneakers. Nike accused BAPE of trademark infringement and said its designs would cause consumer confusion.

Skechers founders, Robert Greenberg and son Michael Greenberg. Top executives at Skechers USA allegedly cost the footwear maker millions of dollars by hopping on corporate jets for personal jaunts to vacation hot spots such as Fiji, Bora Bora and Hawaii — and the company's directors didn't do anything to stop them.

The current owner of New Balance, Jim Davis, bought the company in 1972, the landmark day of the Boston Marathon. In 1976, the now legendary, 320, the first New Balance running shoe designed with the «Ν» feature on the side, was awarded as the best running shoe by the «Runner's World».

Executives acknowledged that Nike's direct-to-consumer strategy was not driving growth as expected and that it was losing ground in the running category. In December, Nike outlined a $2 billion savings plan, which included reducing the supply of underperforming products and improving its supply chain.

It depends what you're looking for. Both companies make great shoes, but if you need any special sizing or if your foot runs even the least bit wide, New Balance is the answer. Available in multiple widths, NB shoes tend to fit a wider variety of feet than Nike shoes, which tend to run a bit narrow for many people.

When customers discovered in 1996 that their shoes were manufactured using child labour, Nike's stock price collapsed by 58% in 19 months. This shock began Nike's deep interest in the social impact of their business and has since landed them at the top of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT

The Court refers to both Defendants collectively as "adidas." Nike alleges it produces garments that incorporate a two-stripe design. Nike seeks a declaration from the Court that Nike's use of two stripes in apparel designs does not infringe or dilute adidas's Three-Stripe Mark.

How many shoe patents does Nike have? ›

Nike's patent portfolio as of June 2022, by technology area

Nike also owned some 1,200 footwear and just under 300 apparel patents.

OWNERSHIP OF CONTENT

All trademarks, service marks and trade names (e.g., the NIKE name and the Swoosh design) are owned, registered and/or licensed by NIKE.

Yes. Nike still produces Air Jordans—reportedly, there's no end in sight—and therefore, Jordan still gets paid by the company behind the Swoosh.

Choosing between Skechers and Nike ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Skechers shines in comfort and affordability, while Nike is synonymous with high-performance athletic footwear. Consider your priorities, whether it's style, comfort, or athletic performance, and make your choice accordingly.

Since 2003, we have been part of Nike, Inc. Our shoes have gained added support, stability, and technology—and our workforce has too. Joining Converse today offers you global reach, personal impact and all the benefits of being owned by Nike, while working within a nimble and independent environment.

Skechers denies any wrongdoing, but has agreed to establish a $40 million class action lawsuit settlement fund to resolve the litigation.

The suit alleged that Skechers made no effort to put reasonable limits on the use of private jets by executives, who made “excessive” use of the planes and racked up millions in expenses, an attorney for the plaintiff said during a court hearing according to a report by Bloomberg.

In its marketing campaign, New Balance allegedly claimed that, compared with regular walking shoes, its toning shoes would result in "16 percent more activation to the gluteus, 16 percent more activation to the hamstrings, 14 percent more activation to the calves, 29 percent more total muscle activation, and a 10 ...

Beginning in 2002, Nike began auditing its factories for occupational health and safety. The backlash and its public relations impact forced the company to change methods, improve conditions, and implement social responsibility reports in 2005. Nike has since began initiatives to improve their factory conditions.