Skechers USA has sued Hermès International and Hermès of Paris for patent infringement of its proprietary Massage Fit sole technology. The lawsuit was filed yesterday in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.
In 2022, Hermès introduced two footwear styles, the Éclair and Envol, which incorporate midsole and undersole design elements that infringe multiple Skechers patents for its Massage Fit technology that Skechers incorporates into its Skechers go Walk series, as well as other product lines. The Massage Fit “wave” midsole is designed to gently massage feet with every step. It is combined with Skechers’ Hyper Burst cushioned midsole, which is made via its Super Critical process of spherically shaped compressed cells. Combined, the design is highly responsive, light in weight and comfortable.
A Skechers spokesperson stated: “Skechers invests tremendous resources into research and development to introduce fresh, unique and exciting footwear technology to its customers year in and year out. It is disappointing that a company of Hermès’ reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers’ patented designs. While Skechers always prefers to compete in the marketplace rather than the court room, the company has no choice but to seek legal recourse when competitors blatantly tread on our rights.”
Skechers Go Walk featuring Massage Fit construction.
