HandsFree Labs and its footwear brand Kizik have filed a lawsuit against Skechers, alleging willful infringement of patents related to hands-free shoe technologies.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, claims that multiple Skechers slip-in styles unlawfully use inventions covered by HandsFree Labs’ patent portfolio.
Nike invested in HandsFree Lab
According to the plaintiffs, the technologies in question include patented designs that allow users to step into shoes without using their hands, including mechanisms that maintain heel structure and fit. The companies stated that Skechers was aware of the patents and knowingly continued with infringing product lines.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and a permanent injunction against Skechers. HandsFree Labs is majority-owned by Nike, which invested in the company in 2019.
