Nike sues Lululemon over patent infringement on running shoes

The world’s biggest sporting brand, Nike, is suing Lululemon, claiming that some of the athleisure brand’s new running shoes infringe on Nike’s intellectual property.

In a lawsuit filed Jan. 30 in New York District Court, Nike alleged that Lululemon’s Chargefeel, Blissfeel and Strongfeel sneakers all infringe on patents related to Nike’s Flyknit technology. Specifically, Nike’s claims are directed at how the shoes are manufactured and the textiles used.

#Nike is now suing the popular #Lululemon brand.

Nike has alleged that Lululemon’s sneakers infringe on Nike’s patents related to its Flyknit technology. pic.twitter.com/eHWxAvSJRf

— Business Supply International (@BusinessSplyInt) February 1, 2023

In a statement, a Lululemon spokesperson said “Nike’s claims are unjustified, and we look forward to proving our case in court.”

The lawsuit comes one year after Lululemon launched its first running shoe, the Blissfeel, in March 2022. Since then, Lululemon has also released the Chargefeel and Strongfeel training shoes.

The Flyknit technology, which uses high-strength fibres to create lightweight uppers with targeted areas of support, stretch and breathability, is commonly used on many of Nike’s performance running shoes, including the Alphafly, Infinity React and Invincible Run, with an upper designed to fit like a sock, but with flexibility and durability for sport.

Nike also sued Lululemon in January 2022 for patent infringement related to its at-home Mirror fitness device and other apps, alleging that Lululemon infringed on six of Nike’s patents for “digital sports technologies.”

The Oregon-based sporting brand is seeking an undisclosed sum in damages and a permanent demand for Lululemon to stop making the shoes.