Nike Sues New Balance and Sketchers Over Flyknit Patent Infringement

Set to take a "Just Do It" approach to litigation, Nike is once again looking to take on competitor brands in a court of law. This time around, Nike has sued both New Balance and Sketchers for unauthorised use of patented technology.

The patent in question is none other than Nike's Flyknit technology, which Nike claims both New Balance and Sketchers are using inappropriately. For those who aren't familiar with Flyknit, it is a technology that creates performance uppers using fewer fabrics and generating less waste. Some older sneakerheads might remember the Flyknit hype from around 2011 until 2015, which saw the shoes gain tremendous popularity among streetwear fans.

On New Balance's end, Nike has claimed primarily its Fresh Foam and FuelCell lines are in infringement while targeting the Ultra Flex and Glide Step lines on Sketchers' side. New Balance has already released a statement following a move that saw the brand “escalate the scope of its infringing activities,” in Nike's words.

In a statement made by New Balance, the brand notes that "New Balance fully respects competitors’ intellectual property rights, but Nike does not own the exclusive right to design and produce footwear using traditional manufacturing methods that have been in the industry for decades. We will vigorously defend ourselves against Nike’s attempts to enforce its patents beyond their lawful scope.”

As things heat up between these two industry titans, Sketchers has yet to make any comments. Keep locked in right here for all the latest on this story as it evolves. In other news, adidas could write off millions of pounds worth of remaining YEEZY stock.