Overview

• HandsFree Labs filed suit on July 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, accusing Skechers of willful infringement of four utility patents and two design patents for hands-free slip-on footwear.
• Skechers has rejected the allegations as unfounded, highlighting its own development of Slip-ins technology backed by more than 140 global utility and design patents.
• President Michael Greenberg characterized the lawsuit’s timing as opportunistic in light of Skechers’ $9.42 billion go-private deal with 3G Capital.
• Gareth Hosford, CEO of HandsFree Labs, affirmed the firm’s patent validity and pressed for a jury trial with restitution for attorney fees and damages.
• Both sides are preparing for discovery ahead of a potential trial over patent validity and market rights for hands-free slip-on technology.