Dive Brief:
- Skechers reached an undisclosed settlement with Hermès this month to end a patent lawsuit the mass market footwear company brought against the French luxury brand last year.
- In October, Skechers alleged that the Éclair and Envol shoes from Hermès featured wavy mid- and under-soles that ripped off two of its patents filed in 2021.
- This isn’t the first time Skechers has taken legal action against another apparel and footwear company. It has also sued other high-profile brands, including Brooks, Fila, Reebok and Steve Madden — all of which were settled, according to court documents.
Dive Insight:
Skechers is no stranger to courtroom battles. But the lawsuit against Hermès stood apart because of the contrast between Skechers mass market sneakers and the luxury brand’s high priced goods.
The lawsuit centered on Skechers Massage Fit sole, which currently is featured on shoes that retail between $95 and $109, according to the brand’s website. The two shoes from Hermès, on the other hand, sold for $800 and $940.
Representatives from Skechers and Hermès did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Skechers sued Hermès only one month after settling a similar lawsuit against Brooks Running. In that case, Skechers argued that the number “5” featured on several Brooks running shoes mimicked its “S” logo, potentially confusing consumers. Like Hermès, Brooks never responded in court before the case was settled.
The footwear company has also been on the receiving end of trademark and patent lawsuits.
Skechers struck a deal with Nike in 2021 to end three lawsuits against it alleging infringement.
Nike filed the first of its lawsuits in 2016, arguing that Skechers had copied multiple design elements for its sneakers. It followed up again in 2019, filing two other lawsuits against Skechers accusing the company of copying the popular VaporMax and Air Max 270 designs and ripping off its footwear cushions.
