Nike Seeks to Block Imports of Adidas Knit Shoes

Nike is asking the International Trade Commission to block imports of an Adidas shoe that allegedly copies technology in the Nike shoes worn by stars like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Oregon-based company claims that 49 shoe designs by Adidas use its Flyknit technology, which infringes six patents that it owns. In response, Adidas said it will defend itself against the allegations because its Primeknit technology “resulted from years of dedicated research.” 

Sneaker Fights Heat Up

• Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld two Nike patents that were challenged by Adidas for potential infringement of its Primeknit shoes.
• Nike claims that its Flyknit technology is the product of $100 million spent on development.
• The Swoosh seeks to ban imports of Adidas shoes that include collaborations with fashion designer Stella McCartney and record producer Pharrell Williams.
• Nike previously settled shoe-related lawsuits with Puma in January 2020 and Skechers last month. 

Adidas reported a drop in third-quarter operating income, lowering its full-year forecast. The company generated $6.6 billion in revenue in Q3, a 3.4% uptick year-over-year, but operating income fell 8.5% to $776.7 million. 

Nike reported $12.2 billion in revenue in fiscal Q1 2022, a 16% increase year-over-year.