Skechers Sues Steve Madden For 'Go Walk' Patent Infringement

Steve Madden 

California-based Skechers USA Inc. said today it is suing Steve Madden Ltd. for infringing on its patented Skechers Go Walk line.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, is seeking damages. According to the lawsuit obtained by Footwear News, Skechers argues that Madden’s Setta style, which has a woven elastic upper and molded rubber bottom, directly infringes on seven patents owned by Skechers that are used in its Go Walk collection.

Skechers states in the suit: “The innovative design of the Skechers Go series and other

One of the Skechers' Go Walk patents (top)
and the Steve Madden Setta style (bottom).

such styles have significantly contributed to the company’s recent successes …. The fame and popularity of various styles of shoes both within and beyond the Skechers Go series is evident in the fact that millions of pairs of Skechers Go series shoes have been sold since their introduction on the market.”

“While we prefer to compete in the marketplace, Steven Madden is selling its infringing footwear to Skechers’ wholesale customers and in other sales channels where the Skechers products are sold, and we believe this is causing us enormous damage,” said David Weinberg, COO of Skechers, in a release. “We plan on taking similar action against any company that develops any products that infringe on the patents of the Skechers Go Walk or any of our other popular product lines, and any retailer that sells the Steven by Steve Madden Setta style.”

Skechers declined additional comment. Steve Madden also declined a request for comment.

It’s not the first time the two brands have gone to court. The most recent case in 2011, Skechers sued Madden for infringing on its patented Twinkle Toes line. The case was settled out of court.

The Steve Madden Setta shoe style.

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