Nike sues Lululemon Over Patent Infringement

Nike sues Lululemon Over Patent Infringement

The Oregon sports wear company Nike has filed a lawsuit over patent infringement in the southern district of New York alleging that several of Lululemon's lifestyle sneakers infringe on its Flyknit technology.

In the lawsuit, Nike accuses Lululemon's textile knitting processes of infringing on its acclaimed Flyknit tech, including how the knit's webbed and tubular section's function and stretch on the sneakers, and how flat-knitting is used to structure the seams of the uppers.

In the complaint Nike claimed that it had suffered economic harm and irreparable injury as a result of Lululemon's sale of the four different type of shoes. It is seeking unspecified damages.

Previously, Nike had sued Lululemon in January 2022, condemning the Canadian apparel maker of infringing on six patents over its at-home Mirror fitness device and related mobile applications. Nike is demanding triple damages in that case.

According to the claim put forth by Nike, it invented and filed a patent application back in 1983 on a device that influenced a runner's speed, calories exhausted, distance traveled and time taken. Interactive workout platform Mirror guides users through cardio classes and other exercises. The complaint pointed out the similarities between the technology enabling users to compete with other users, record their performance and target specific exertion levels.

The footwear brand Lululemon defended stating, "The patents in question are overly broad and invalid. We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court."

Nike highlighted its Flyknit-related patents in the suit, alleging that Lululemon's infringing products include:

1. Chargefeel Mid

2. Chargefeel Low

3. Blissfeel

4. Strongfeel sneakers

Lululemon has indicated it will defend itself against these claims.