Adidas Drags Nike to Court for Infringement Over SNKRS App, Adapt Technology
German multinational corporation, Adidas has filed a lawsuit against it’s American rival, Nike over what it considers an infringement on 9 of its patents, including those related to the Adidas_1 sneaker and its sneaker reservation app, Confirmed.
In the lawsuit, Adidas is focusing largely on Nike’s ‘Adapt’ technology, the company’s dive into “smart” footwear. Adapt is an electronically-enabled platform that automatically customizes the fit of a sneaker to the wearer’s foot.
Nike first explored “auto-lacing” sneakers when the Back to the Future-inspired Mag was re-released with an early version of the technology in 2016.
The more refined Adapt system made its retail debut in 2019. Adidas claims Adapt infringes on the Adidas_1, which it says was the first shoe that ever “sensed and adjusted the comfort of the shoe while the shoe was worn.” The Adidas_1 was announced in 2004 and released in 2005.
In adition to this, Nike apps, such as Run Club and Training Club, are also named as examples of infringement in the complaint.
Adidas is seeking “damages in an amount sufficient to compensate Adidas for the defendant’s infringement,” as well as a permanent injunction against Nike that would prevent the company from further infringing on its patents.
Despite the long history of deep-rooted rialry between the brands, this marks the first time Adidas is openly going after Nike in federal court.
In December 2021, Nike filed a complaint alleging that no fewer than 49 Adidas sneakers made with the company’s Primeknit technology infringe on its patent for Flyknit.
It, however, remains to be seen how this will pan out. We’ll keep you posted.
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