// Nike is suing Lululemon for patent infringement related to at least four of the fitness retailer’s shoes
// Nike said it has suffered economic harm and irreparable injury as a result of Lululemon’s sale of the Chargefeel Mid, Chargefeel Low, Blissfeel & Strongfeel sneakers
Nike has filed a lawsuit against Lululemon, alleging that the athleisure retailer has infringed on its patented footwear designs.
In the complaint, the sportswear giant claims it has suffered economic harm and irreparable injury as a result of Lululemon’s sale of the Chargefeel Mid, Chargefeel Low, Blissfeel and Strongfeel shoes.
Nike said that at least four silhouettes infringed on intellectual property relating to Nike’s FlyKnit technology — allegations also brought upon PUMA, adidas, and Skechers in the past.
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Nike said its three patent claims focus on textile elements, including knitted elements, webbed areas and tubular structures on the footwear while one patent claim also addresses the footwear’s performance.
Nike, which is seeking an undisclosed sum in damages and injunction on further infringement, filed the case in the New York District Court.
“Nike’s claims are unjustified, and we look forward to proving our case in court,” a Lululemon spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.
Back in March, Lululemon launched its first footwear collection, which entered the market with great success. The company said demand for the products was far greater than its supply at the time.
At the time, chief executive Calvin McDonald said: “Footwear is the natural next step for us to expand and apply our long history of innovation in fit, feel and performance, and it represents an exciting moment for our brand.”
The lawsuit comes a year after Nike sued Lululemon Nike for patent infringement pertaining its technology device Mirror fitness and other apps.
Nike alleged that Lululemon infringed on six of Nike’s patent claims to certain “digital sport technologies.”
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