Nike has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor shoemakers New Balance and Skechers. The recent complaints claim that both firms duplicated Nike's "Flyknit technology," a strategy considered a game changer in the sneaker industry during the last four decades.
Nike asserts that the Flyknit process, which took a decade to perfect, is a patented technology for creating shoe uppers. Despite this patent protection, the business claims that New Balance and Skechers have illegally incorporated this technology into their shoes, according to Reuters on November 8, 2023.
Nike intends to take legal action on two fronts. They seek an injunction to prevent their competitors from exploiting Nike's patented technology in their products and monetary damages, which are yet to be disclosed.
What exactly is Nike Flyknit technology?
Nike's Flyknit technology employs strong fibres to make super-light uppers for shoes that balance support, stretch, and breathability. Consider it a tight sock that is durable enough for any sport. They accomplish this by weaving these lightweight yet durable threads into a single-piece upper, creating a solid fit that puts your foot exactly where it belongs on the shoe. Furthermore, the knit patterns on the shoe vary - some are tight for support, while others are more flexible and allow your feet to breathe. Nike discovered these patterns after studying feet for over 40 years to ensure that each shoe section fulfils its job correctly.
New Balance made the following statement:
New Balance claimed to have "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."
Skechers has yet to respond.
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