By sampay 
Photo: Rob Kruyt
Lululemon’s flagship store in Metro Vancouver is at the corner of Robson and Burrard streets
Multiple media outlets are reporting that global sportswear giant Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is again suing Vancouver-based leisurewear retailer Lululemon (Nasdaq:LULU) for alleged patent infringements.
Reuters reported that Nike today filed documents in Manhattan federal court that said it has suffered economic harm and irreparable injury from Lululemon’s sale of its Blissfeel, Chargefeel Low, Chargefeel Mid and Strongfeel footwear.
Nike has not yet released a public statement on the legal conflict.
Lululemon sent BIV an email to say, “Nike’s claims are unjustified, and we look forward to proving our case in court.”
Reuters said Nike’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, and that it alleges that the Oregon-based company’s three patents on issue concern textile and other elements, including one addressing how the footwear will perform when force is applied.
This is the second consecutive January in which Nike has taken court action against Lululemon. Media reports in January 2022 noted that Nike filed documents in the US District Court in Manhattan that accused Lululemon of infringing six patents because its Mirror technology, which lets users target specific levels of exertion, as well as compete with others, and record personal performance, infringe on Nike intellectual property.
Lululemon in July 2020 spent US$500 million to buy Mirror – a New-York-based, in-home fitness company.
Mirror’s marquee product is a device that appears to be a standard mirror, unless it is turned on.
Users activate their Mirror to enjoy augmented reality. A fitness instructor could appear – wearing Lululemon clothing, and ready to guide the user through a workout.
The Mirror could also show videos that include Lululemon representatives, or community events.
Nike is said to be seeking triple damages among other remedies for Lululemon’s alleged willful infringement of patents related to its Mirror product.