Under Armour Accused of Monopolizing ‘Bioceramic’ Garments

Under Armour Inc. was sued in Pittsburgh federal court by a former partner claiming it stole trade secrets and engaged in false advertising on the way to monopolizing “bioceramic” fabrics, popularized by Tom Brady, that supposedly promote athletic recovery.

The antitrust lawsuit accuses Under Armour of breaking its contracts with—and organizing a group boycott of—former supplier Multiple Energy Technologies LLC, which makes “Redwave"-brand bioceramic powders used to coat athletic wear, bed sheets, and other textiles.

The powders supposedly promote muscle recovery by emitting infrared waves into the body—"a characteristic strongly advertised by Under Armour,” which is responsible for 60% of ...