Puma has filed a lawsuit in the United States against American sportswear brand Brooks for trademark infringement and counterfeiting. Specifically, Puma alleges Brooks that Brooks’ advertising of sneakers with nitrogen-infused soles infringes Puma’s trademark rights to the “Nitro” brand. Puma also alleges Brooks used the patented foam technology Puma uses in its Nitro shoes for Brooks Aurora Copy BL running shoes.
A Brooks spokesperson told Reuters on Monday that Puma “abuses trademark law by trying to prevent competitors from using the term ‘nitro’ to describe nitro-infused shoes,” calling the allegations “unfounded.”
Puma asked the court for unspecified damages and a ban on Brooks using the name “Nitro” and infringing Puma’s patent. Puma declined to comment on a request from FashionUnited.
Sneaker manufacturer Skechers USA Inc. also sued Brooks in Los Angeles last month for trademark infringement. Skechers claims that the use of the number “5” on some Brooks running shoes could lead to confusion with the Skechers “S” logo. Especially since the 5 was written in italics and also placed on the tongue of the shoes, where Skechers also puts its logo.
Again, Brooks denies the allegations.
The lawsuit is another example in a series of lawsuits between sneaker brands. Last month, Adidas sued Nike for infringing apps and technology, while Nike is currently locked in a lawsuit with StockX over Metaverse sneakers.