Nike is suing Lululemon for patent infringement related to at least four of the apparel company’s shoes, extending a contentious legal history between the two companies.
In the complaint filed Monday in federal court in Manhattan, Nike alleges it suffered economic and irreparable harm as a result of Lululemon’s sale of Chargefeel Mid, Chargefeel Low, Blissfeel and Strongfeel shoes.
Nike said its three patent claims focused on textile elements, including knit elements, webbing areas and tubular structures on the shoes. One patent claim also relates to the presentation of the shoes.
The Oregon-based company is seeking unspecified damages.
Vancouver-based Lululemon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lululemon launched Blissfeel, its first running shoe for women, in March, marking the company’s official foray into the sneaker market. The second shoe in the range, the Chargefeel, launched in July for running and training.
In January 2022, Nike sued Lululemon, accusing the Canadian apparel maker of infringing six patents on its Mirror home fitness device and related mobile apps. In this case, Nike is seeking treble damages.
Nike claims to have invented – and filed for a patent in 1983 – a device that measures a runner’s speed, calories burned, distance traveled and time elapsed. Mirror, an interactive training platform, guides users through cardio classes and other exercises. The complaint notes similarities between the technology, allowing users to compete with other users, record their performance and target specific levels of effort.
Lululemon said in a statement at the time: “The patents at issue are overbroad and invalid. We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court.”
Add Comment