Puma, Brooks Trademark Fight Over ‘Nitro’ Moved to Washington

Brooks Sports Inc. convinced an Indiana federal judge to move a trademark and patent dispute with Puma SE over “Nitro” running shoes to a Seattle federal court, where Brooks is headquartered.

Brooks’ allegedly infringing products were marketed and designed in the Western District of Washington, Judge Richard L. Young of the Southern District of Indiana ruled on Jan. 20.

That district would be more convenient for witnesses and evidence gathering based on the headquarter location, Young said.

Although plaintiffs like Puma ordinarily receive a great deal of deference on venue choice, the German shoe company hadn’t shown strong enough ties ...