A New York jury has ruled that Lululemon's footwear infringed on a Nike patent, awarding the sportswear giant $355,450 in damages. However, the jury dismissed Nike's claims regarding a second patent, leading to speculation about a potential appeal.
The legal battle between the two companies dates back to January 2022, when Nike filed a lawsuit against Lululemon, alleging that the athletic apparel brand had violated multiple patents related to Nike's footwear technology. Nike argued that Lululemon’s Blissfeel, Chargefeel, and Strongfeel shoes incorporated elements covered by its patents, including innovative textile structures and midsole designs.
After deliberation, the jury found that Lululemon did infringe on one of Nike’s patents but rejected claims regarding the second patent in dispute. The split decision presents a mixed outcome for both brands—Nike secures recognition of its intellectual property but does not receive the full extent of damages it initially sought.
In response to the ruling, Nike expressed satisfaction with the jury’s recognition of its patent rights but did not indicate whether it plans to appeal the decision on the dismissed claim. Lululemon, on the other hand, may also consider challenging the verdict, as it has consistently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that its footwear designs are independent of Nike's innovations.
This lawsuit highlights the increasing competition in the athletic footwear market, where brands are investing heavily in proprietary technology to gain an edge. As Nike and Lululemon continue to expand their footwear lines, legal battles over patents may become more frequent.
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