Skechers U.S.A. Inc has recently taken legal action against renowned luxury fashion brand Hermès International, alleging that two of Hermès’ sneaker models infringe on Skechers’ design patents. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court and claims that Hermès’ Eclair and Envol designs violate Skechers’ patent rights for the “Massage Fit” soles used in their widely popular “Go Walk” walking shoes. As of now, Hermès has not yet responded to these allegations.
Expressing their disappointment, a spokesperson for Skechers released a press statement criticizing Hermès’ decision to replicate and infringe on their patented designs, considering Hermès’ prestige and position in the fashion industry. The lawsuit contends that the soles of Hermès’ shoes bear significant resemblance to Skechers’ Massage Fit soles, emphasizing the similarities in the undulating sole design.
Skechers, headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, is seeking unspecified damages from Hermès and is also requesting a court order to halt any further infringement. This is not the first time that Skechers has engaged in legal battles over the infringement of their “Go Walk” design patents. They have previously filed lawsuits against other shoemakers such as Fila, Reebok, and Steve Madden, ultimately reaching settlements in those cases.
The ongoing lawsuit between Skechers U.S.A. Inc and Hermès International, known as Skechers U.S.A. Inc v. Hermès International, is currently being deliberated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, under the case number 1:22-cv-08862. As the litigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on Skechers’ claims of patent infringement and the potential implications this lawsuit may have for the fashion industry as a whole.
For more information on the case, you can visit the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York’s website here. To learn more about Skechers’ popular “Go Walk” line, you can visit their official website here.
