Nike files lawsuit against Lululemon over patent infringement

• Nike said Lululemon is infringing a number of fitness equipment patents by selling Mirror

• Lululemon bought Mirror for $500 million in 2020

Nike filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Lululemon for patent infringement over at-home Mirror fitness device and related mobile applications.

Nike said Lululemon is infringing a number of fitness equipment patents held by the company by selling Mirror, a wall-mounted device helping users with several cardio classes and other exercises.

Nike claims to file a patent application in 1983 for a device measuring a runner’s speed, distance traversed and calories expended. The company has also launched many mobile apps such as Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club.

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As consumers opted to workout at home during Covid pandemic, Lululemon bought Mirror for $500 million in 2020, getting in direct competition with Peleton, Hydrow and Tonal.

Lululemon's response

Nike said it had notified Lululemon of the alleged infringement before filing the lawsuit but the apparel maker dismissed the claims.

“The patents in question are overly broad and invalid. We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court,” said a spokesperson for Lululemon, CNBC reported.

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Lululemon shares fell 4.8% on Wednesday while Nike shares were down by 2.5%.

Other lawsuits

Lululemon is also in a legal battle with Peloton as the former filed a patent lawsuit against the fitness company over the designs of its sports bras and leggings.

Peleton had, though, sought a declaration from court for not infringing Lululemon’s patents and said that its apparel merchandise can be easily differentiated from Lululemon’s.

Picture Credits: Getty Images