Hermès sued by Skechers for Patent Infringment over Shoe Soles

Hermès sued by Sekchers for Patent Infringment over Shoe Soles

Skechers a footwear company based in Manhattan Beach filed a lawsuit against French luxury fashion house Hermès International, alleging that two Hermès brands of sneakers infringed Skechers design patents. The lawsuit alleged that Hermès' Eclair and Envol designs violate Skechers' patent rights for the "Massage Fit" soles in its "Go Walk" walking shoes.

A spokesperson for Skechers in a press release called it "disappointing that a company of Hermès' reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers' patented designs."

According to Skechers, in the lawsuit, Hermès' shoes are designed in such a way that they shape almost exactly like those of Skechers' Massage Fit soles. The undulating design of Skechers' soles is similar to the shape of Hermès' shoes.

As per the Court documents filed, Skechers U.S.A. Inc., has requested an unspecified amount of money damages as well as an injunction order preventing Hermès from infringing on its patent.

In the past, Skechers has also filed lawsuits against Fila, Reebok, Steve Madden and other shoemakers for infringing on the "Go Walk" design patents, and settled those lawsuits with the parties involved.

The case is Skechers U.S.A. Inc v. Hermès International, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Skechers are being represented by Andrew Ligotti and Robert Lee of Alston and Bird.