Footwear companies enter lawsuit over patent infringement

We've often discussed on this blog patent infringement cases that involve technology. However, a recently reported patent infringement lawsuit involves two footwear companies. 

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Skechers USA has filed a patent infringement suit against Reebok. Skechers created a line called "Go Walk" shoes, and has alleged that Reebok, which is owned by Adidas, infringed on its related patents. 

"Skechers has invested tremendous resources into designing, developing, advertising and patenting our Skechers Go Walk product line," said David Weinberg, Skechers chief operating officer. He went on to note that the look and name of the company are recognized worldwide.

In the case of Reebok and Skechers, Skechers claims that unfair competition is another reason behind the lawsuit. Reuters reported that the company said it would also take action against retailers that sold the shoes. The shoe model sold by Reebok is the "Walk Ahead RS" shoe.

This issue is important to companies because when a design is ripped off and consumers purchase the same or similar design from a competitor, it could result in financial losses for the company.

In the fashion industry, copying a unique design can be considered infringement. After a company spends the time and resources to create a new product and bring it to market, they want to ensure that competitors do not cause them to lose profits by stealing their design and selling it as their own. 

Infringement of fashion designs are also commonly seen when companies create knock off versions of popular products. To help curtail this type of activity and maintain good standing in the market, companies that believe they have been infringed upon may need to take legal action.

Businesses in the Phoenix, AZ area can contact a small business attorney to learn more about their intellectual property rights. 

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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