Nike Loses Another Sneaker Patent After Lululemon Challenge

Lululemon Athletica Inc. persuaded an administrative tribunal to invalidate another Nike Inc. patent tied to sneaker constructions, further weakening a federal lawsuit in which Nike accused Lululemon of infringing with several of its shoe models.

A three-judge panel of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board found all 21 claims of Nike’s US Patent No. 8,266,749 unpatentable in a final written decision issued Wednesday in a validity review prompted by Lululemon’s challenge. The patent is among those Nike asserted in its 2023 lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging Lululemon’s Blissfeel, Strongfeel, and Chargefeel ...