Adidias Sues Nike Regarding Infringement Complaints with Sports Tech

Adidas filed a lawsuit against Nike for infringement complaints about the SNKRS app.

Late last week, Adidas filed a suit against Nike that the leading sneaker company is infringing on nine of its patents. Two, in particular, are the Adidas_1 sneaker and its sneaker reservation app, Confirmed.

In the lawsuit, Adidas believes Nike’s Adapt technology infringes on Adidas_1. Adapt is an electronically-enabled platform that automatically customizes the fit of a sneaker to the wearer’s foot. Adidas claims Adidas_1 was the first shoe that “sensed and adjusted the comfort of the shoe while the shoe was worn.” Nike’s Adapt debuted in 2019, while Adidas_1 was launched in 2005.

Additionally, Adidas is also targeting Nike’s SNKRS app. Adidas states that Nike’s version of the app infringes on their Confirmed app. February 2015, Confirmed was launched as a tool that would make buying exclusive products easier and fairer for everyone. However, days later, Nike rolled out their announcement for SNKRS, which is similar to Confirmed.

“Adidas has long been a leader in mobile technology, including technology related to mobile fitness and mobile purchases,” the lawsuit states. “Adidas was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to athletes.”

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The suit also adds that Adidas seeks “damages in an amount sufficient to compensate Adidas for the defendant’s infringement.” In addition, they’re asking for a permanent injunction against Nike that would prevent them from further infringing on its patents.

Adidas says that it has a history of creating mobile-fitness technology stating that in 2004 the Adidas 1 was the first shoe that ever “sensed and adjusted the comfort of the shoe while the shoe was worn,” and that Nike’s Adapt system infringes on that patent. adidas is also accusing Nike of infringing on patents that cover features including tracking and storing activity-related progress, feedback on performance, and personalized coaching and training tips.

This new lawsuit follows Nike’s request to block imports of Adidas’ Primeknit sneakers alleging that 49 of Adidas’ shoes that use Primeknit infringe on six Nike patents. This lawsuit is still pending.