Nike sues Skechers over sneaker patent infringement

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 2, 2019

Nike does not believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, according to a new patent infringement lawsuit filed in California. 

 
Nike is suing fellow U.S. footwear brand Skechers for copying two Nike designs including the VaporMax and Air Max 270, infringing on dozens of patents. Nike is equally claiming that its competitor is using a “copying strategy” known as 'Skecherizing'. 
 
“Nike filed this lawsuit to continue to defend its design innovation and stop Skechers from free-riding on Nike’s significant investment of talent and resources that are deployed to innovate,” Nike stated in the lawsuit. 

The 'Skecherizing' process includes using an existing design from a competitor to inspire the creation of its own design – a practice Nike claims Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg spearheaded. 
 
The Oregon-based athletic company in its complaint alleges, “Skechers’ business strategy includes copying its competitors’ designs to gain market share.”
 
It’s not the first time that Nike and Skechers are dealing with legal matters together. Nike filed a lawsuit against Skechers for copyright infringement back in 2016. 
 
At the time, Nike claimed that Skechers’ Burst, Women’s Flex Appeal, Men’s Flex Advantage, Girl’s Skech Appeal, and Boy’s Flex Advantage sneakers infringed on at least eight of its design patents. 
 
Prior to that, Nike also sued for infringement on the Converse Chuck Taylor sneaker, while Skechers has also seen lawsuits from retail rival Adidas.