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Reebok sues Nike for patent infringement

LOS ANGELES
Tue Apr 3, 2007 1:57pm EDT

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A security guard walks outside the world headquarters for Reebok in Canton, Massachusetts August 3, 2005. Athletic shoe maker Reebok International Ltd. said on Tuesday it sued rival Nike Inc., which Nike claimed had infringed a Reebok patent for collapsible shoe technology. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Athletic shoe maker Reebok International Ltd. said on Tuesday it sued rival Nike Inc.(NKE.N), which Nike claimed had infringed a Reebok patent for collapsible shoe technology.

Reebok, which is owned by German company Adidas AG (ADSG.DE), said 11 of Nike's styles for men and women infringed on the technology that allows shoes to collapse for travel or packaging purposes. Those shoes are marketed under the "Free," "Free Flex," "Free Zen & Now, "Free Trainer" and "Free Trail" product names.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, says that Nike "willfully and intentionally" developed shoes using Reebok's technology.

Nike did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Adidas, the world's biggest maker of soccer shoes, acquired Reebok over a year ago to take on larger rival Nike on its home turf in the United States.

The company is also banking that Reebok's strength in sports lifestyle wear will complement Adidas' strength in classic sportswear.


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