Nike this week accused top rival Adidas of infringing on patents for its high-tech Flyknit sneaker construction.
The American sneaker giant, based near Beaverton, filed a lawsuit Wednesday against its German counterpart, which has its North American headquarters in Portland.
It said Adidas had ripped off its “game-changing” Flyknit technology, which is used to craft one-piece knitted uppers for sneakers that use fewer materials and generate less waste. It says Adidas has appropriated the technique for dozens of products, including some in its Primeknit line.
Adidas denied the claim Thursday.
“We are currently analyzing the complaint and will defend ourselves against the allegations,” the company said in a statement. “Our Primeknit technology resulted from years of dedicated research and shows our commitment to sustainability.”
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Portland, was first reported by the Portland Business Journal. Nike is seeking a court order that Adidas stop using the patented designs and an award of monetary damages.
Nike also on Wednesday petitioned the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate Adidas for infringing on its patents and block the import or sale of products found to violate them.
Nike just last month settled three lawsuits in a long-running dispute with another competitor, California-based Skechers. It had accused Skechers of incorporating Nike-patented design elements into its sneakers.
