The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
French luxury fashion house Hermès International SCA has settled a lawsuit brought by Skechers USA Inc that claimed Hermès sneakers infringed Skechers’ patent rights, according to a Wednesday filing in Manhattan federal court.
The filing said the two sides signed a confidential settlement agreement on Monday. Representatives for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment and additional details.
Manhattan Beach, California-based Skechers sued Hermès last year, alleging its Eclair and Envol sneakers infringe two Skechers design patents covering the undulating “Massage Fit” soles in its “Go Walk” walking shoes.
Skechers said the soles of Hermès’ shoes were “substantially the same” as its soles and requested an unspecified amount of money damages.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hermès did not respond to the allegations in court.
Skechers has also sued Fila, Reebok, Steve Madden and other shoemakers in the past for infringing “Go Walk” design patents, in cases that later settled.
By Blake Brittain
Learn more:
Hermès Sees No US Slowdown as Sales Jump 23%
Sales at Birkin bag maker Hermès rose 23 percent in the first quarter, above market expectations, as wealthy shoppers in China and Europe splurged on luxury fashion and accessories despite higher prices and global market turmoil.
The luxury goods maker is seeking pricing harmonisation across the globe, and adjusts prices in different markets to ensure that the company is”fair to all [its] clients everywhere,” CEO Leena Nair said.
Hermes saw Chinese buyers snap up its luxury products as the Kelly bag maker showed its resilience amid a broader slowdown in demand for the sector.
The group’s flagship Prada brand grew more slowly but remained resilient in the face of a sector-wide slowdown, with retail sales up 7 percent.
The guidance was issued as the French group released first-quarter sales that confirmed forecasts for a slowdown. Weak demand in China and poor performance at flagship Gucci are weighing on the group.