Nike Files Patent Infringement Lawsuits Against New Balance and Skechers Over 'Flyknit' Technology

Nike alleges patent infringement for its "Flyknit" technology across several lines of New Balance and Skechers shoes, seeking both monetary damages and a permanent injunction against the companies. This follows prior lawsuits against Adidas, Puma, and Lululemon over the same patented technology.

Nike filed patent infringement lawsuits against rivals New Balance and Skechers, alleging that they infringed on its proprietary 'Flyknit' technology, resulting in patent rights violations.
Nike claims its 'Flyknit' technology, developed over a decade, improves performance, design, aesthetics and reduces material waste in shoe manufacturing. The 'Flyknit' is used in the 'upper' or the top portion of shoes.
The suits target several shoe lines from both companies, including New Balance’s Fresh Foam and FuelCell, and Skechers' Ultra Flex and Glide Step brands, with requests for an unspecified 'award of damages' and a court order to halt the alleged infringing activities.
New Balance and Skechers have disputed the claims, arguing that the manufacturing practices in question are industry standard. New Balance stated that Nike does not 'own the exclusive right to design and produce footwear by traditional manufacturing methods.'
Similar lawsuits have been filed by Nike against Adidas, Puma, and Lululemon in the past over the same 'Flyknit' technology, with Adidas and Puma settling. The case against Lululemon is ongoing.