Apple and Nike settle Fuelband lawsuit

The Fuelband, a collaborative design by Nike and Apple, was one of the precursors in the trend of wearable activity-tracking tech. The first collaboration between the two corporations was in 2006 with the release of Nike+ iPod. The Fuelband was introduced in 2012.

A lawsuit was brought against the two companies in 2013, alleging that the statements made regarding the band’s ability to accurately track calories and steps were misleading and false.

Though both Nike and Apple deny the truth of the claims, Nike has decided to settle to end the multi-year lawsuit. Those who purchased the Fuelband fitness tracker between Jan. 19, 2012 and June 17, 2015 are eligible for a partial refund. The Fuelband retailed for approximately $150. Consumers will be eligible for either a $15 pay out in cash, or $25 Nike gift card.

In 2014, Nike began moving away from the fitness tracker hardware, though still remaining in the game with regards to software. The Nike+ app is one of the features of the Apple watch.

This isn’t the first lawsuit in the sportswear industry over false claims of accuracy or health improvement. Last summer Vibram paid a $3.75 million settlement in a lawsuit over false claims injury prevention and muscle strengthening for their five fingers barefoot shoes.