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5 January 2016Patents

Nike puts boot into Skechers with infringement claim

Nike has sued rival shoe maker Skechers for allegedly infringing eight of its design patents.

In a lawsuit filed on Monday, January 4, Nike demanded profits from the sales of certain Skechers shoes, an order preventing further sales, and damages.

According to Nike, shoes including the Women’s Flex Appeal and the Men’s Flex Advantage are “substantially the same” as the appearance of Nike’s patented designs.

The patents at the centre of the lawsuit are US numbers D696,853; D700,423; and D707,032, called “Shoe Upper,” and numbers D723,772; D723,781; D723,783; D725,356; and D725,359, called “Shoe Sole”.

The patents, which cover designs on the sole of a shoe and the side of a shoe, were all granted between January 2014 and March 2015.

Nike filed the lawsuit at the US District Court for the District of Oregon.

“On information and belief, an ordinary observer will perceive the overall appearance of the designs of the Nike patents and the corresponding designs of Skechers’ infringing shoes to be substantially the same,” the complaint said.

“Skechers, without authorisation from Nike, has made, used, offered for sale, sold, and/or imported in or into the United States, and continues to make, use, offer for sale, sell, and/or import in or into the United States, shoes having designs that infringe the Nike patents,” Nike added.

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6 June 2016   Footwear manufacturer Skechers has hit back at Nike after the sportswear brand sued it for patent infringement.