Nike Sues Lululemon For Patent Infringement

Words by Retail Bum

Nike Sues Lululemon For Patent Infringement
Nike Sues Lululemon For Patent Infringement
Nike has sued Lululemon Athletica, claiming that the apparel maker’s at-home Mirror fitness device and its mobile application infringe the company’s patents for digital home exercise equipment.

The sportswear giant claims that Mirror infringes its 1983 patent on a device that determines runner’s speed, elapsed time, distance traversed and calories burned. These innovations are currently utilized in a range of mobile apps such as Nike Training Club and Nike Run Club.

In the lawsuit, Nike positions Mirror as a new entrant in the space, while “Nike has spent decades creating game-changing digital sport technologies.”

To prove its expertise, the company pointed to products such as Nike+ iPod, which it introduced in collaboration with Apple in 2006 and Nike+ESP basketball and training products, which went on sale a decade ago.

Nike has “a robust portfolio of patents directed to its digital sport innovations for use in or with fitness equipment and apps, particularly ones that allow users to connect with other athletes on social media,” the company said in its complaint that was filed Wednesday in a Manhattan federal court.

Lululemon, which acquired Mirror for $500 million in 2020, has dismissed Nike’s claims.

“The patents in question are overly broad and invalid,” Lululemon said in an emailed statement. “We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court.”

Lululemon is currently also engaged in a legal battle with Peloton. Peloton argues that Lululemon’s claim over the design patents of its five women’s bra and legging products lack any merit.

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