Nike sues New Balance, Skechers for Flyknit patent infringement

Footwear giant Nike filed federal lawsuits on Monday against rivals New Balance and Skechers, accusing them of infringing patents related to Nike’s technology used for making upper portions of sneakers.

The lawsuits claim that several athletic shoes produced by New Balance and sneakers by Skechers have been utilizing Nike's patented "Flyknit" technology designed for running, soccer and basketball footwear.

Nike has previously sued Adidas, Puma and Lululemon for infringing Flyknit patents. Adidas and Puma have settled their lawsuits, while Nike’s case against Lululemon is still ongoing, reports Reuters.

New Balance said in a statement that it “fully respects competitors’ intellectual property rights, but Nike does not own the exclusive right to design and produce footwear by traditional manufacturing methods that have been used in the industry for decades.”

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Beaverton, Oregon-based Nike’s website said that its Flyknit technology “uses high-strength fibres to create lightweight uppers with targeted areas of support, stretch and breathability.”

The lawsuits said the patented technology allows it to make high-performance uppers with reduced materials and waste.

Nike’s complaint against Boston-based New Balance, filed in Massachusetts federal court, said shoes from New Balance’s Fresh Foam, FuelCell and other lines violate Nike’s patent rights.

Nike sued Manhattan Beach, California-based Skechers in Los Angeles, claiming that shoes, including Skechers’ Ultra Flex and Glide Step brands, infringed on its patents.

Nike asked the courts for an unspecified amount of money damages and court orders permanently blocking New Balance and Skechers from infringing the patents.

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