US-based sportswear multinational Nike has sued Adidas-Salomon
alleging that several of its rival's products, including its
adidas_1 footwear and the new Kevin Garnett signature shoe,
infringe upon Nike’s patented Shox cushioning technology.
Yesterday’s filing in the US District Court for the Eastern
District of Texas relates to a patent for the technical columnar
design features of the Shox system that maximize stability and
performance of the shoe.
Some of Adidas’ shoes have been built using this technology,
says Nike.
Eric Sprunk, Vice President, Global Footwear, said: "Nike is
widely recognised for its product innovation in footwear and
athletic products and we invest heavily to provide performance
products to our consumers. It is deeply frustrating and
inappropriate when companies borrow or refashion such technologies
as their own without making similar investments."
The suit seeks damages and an injunction against the sale of the
shoes.
Adidas has made no comment so far.
Last week Nike also filed two patent infringement suits against
Air Max Import and Export Inc and Romeo and Juliette, the firm
said.
