Puma and Brooks Sports have settled their running shoe patent and trademark infringement disputes after years of litigation, with both companies agreeing to dismiss their respective lawsuits.
Puma and Brooks Sports, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, have finally settled their running shoe patent and trademark infringement disputes.
Settlement Reached After Years of Litigation
Germany-based footwear and apparel brand Puma and Brooks Sports have finally settled their running shoe patent and trademark infringement disputes. The resolution comes after both companies filed motions to dismiss their respective lawsuits with prejudice, ensuring that they cannot be re-opened.
Background of the Dispute
The legal contention began in 2022 when ‘Puma sued Brooks over its use of the term ‘Nitro‘ in advertising its running shoes.’ Puma claimed that Brooks‘ campaign infringed upon its rights to the name associated with its own line of competing footwear. The lawsuit also accused Brooks of copying Puma‘s proprietary foam-moulding technology in its Aurora BL running shoes.
Escalation and Counterclaims
Brooks denied these accusations, arguing that ‘the use of ‘Nitro‘ was purely descriptive of the nitrogen-infused midsoles featured in its shoes.’ The dispute escalated when Puma initiated another legal action in Seattle in June 2024, alleging that Brooks‘ Hyperion running shoes breached several Puma patents. Brooks dismissed this claim as a ‘baseless action,’ interpreting it as an attempt to gain leverage amidst the ongoing trademark dispute.
Brooks Sports is a leading manufacturer of performance running shoes, founded in 1914 by Morris Goldenberg.
The company's first product was the 190A model, designed for athletic wear.
Brooks gained popularity in the 1970s with the introduction of the Ghost model, known for its soft and cushioned ride.
Today, Brooks offers a wide range of running shoes, including the popular Launch and Hyperion models.
The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, using environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes.
Additional Litigation
In September 2024, Brooks launched its own lawsuit against Puma in a Virginia federal court, seeking a judicial declaration that its Glycerin running shoes did not violate any Puma patents. A recent filing indicates that this case has also been settled in principle. Additionally, Brooks faced a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by ‘Skechers USA’ in Los Angeles in 2022, with Skechers arguing that Brooks‘ use of the numeral ‘5’ on some running shoes could potentially cause confusion with Skechers‘ own ‘S’ logo.
Skechers USA is a California-based American footwear company founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg and his wife, Anne.
The brand is known for its high-quality, comfortable, and stylish shoes catering to various lifestyles and activities.
Skechers offers a wide range of products, including casual wear, athletic shoes, sandals, and boots.
With over 4,000 employees worldwide, the company has become one of the largest footwear brands in the world, available in more than 160 countries.
In '2020' , Skechers reported $4.7 billion in revenue.
Recent Developments
In December 2024, ‘Puma selected Sitoo as its partner to enhance store operations worldwide, aiming to offer a consistent shopping experience to its customers.’
- yahoo.com | Puma and Brooks Sports settle running shoe trademark dispute
- retail-insight-network.com | Puma and Brooks Sports settle running shoe trademark dispute
