Skechers Sues Hermes for Patent Infringement

Footwear manufacturer and retailer Skechers USA Inc. (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) is suing Hermes International (Paris) and its U.S. unit, Hermes of Paris (New York), for alleged patent infringement.

The legal action was filed Oct. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.

In its suit, Skechers says Hermes recently introduced two footwear styles – the Éclair and Envol – which incorporate mid-sole and undersole design elements that infringe on multiple Skechers patents for the MASSAGE FIT technology that it incorporates into its SKECHERS GO WALK and other product lines.

“Skechers invests tremendous resources into research and development to introduce fresh, unique and exciting footwear technology to its customers year in and year out,” a Skechers spokesperson said. “It is disappointing that a company of Hermes’ reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers’ patented designs. While Skechers always prefers to compete in the marketplace rather than the court room, the company has no choice but to seek legal recourse when competitors blatantly tread on our rights.”

Neither Hermes unit has yet responded to Skechers’ suit.

The action against Hermes is just one of several lawsuits Skechers has been involved in (as both plaintiffs and defendants) in recent times, Retail Dive reports.

Skechers designs, develops and markets a range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories. It operates 4355 company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores in more than 180-plus countries and territories.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York