Skechers U.S.A. Inc filed a federal lawsuit in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday against French luxury fashion house Hermès International, alleging that two brands of Hermès sneakers infringe on a pair of Skechers design patents.
According to the lawsuit, Hermès' Eclair and Envol designs infringe on Skechers' patent rights for the "Massage Fit" soles in its "Go Walk" walking shoes.
In a press release, a Skechers spokesperson said it was "disappointing that a company of Hermès' reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers' patented designs."
Skechers claimed in the lawsuit that Hermès' shoes have "substantially the same" soles as its Massage Fit soles, citing similarities in Skechers' undulating sole design.
California based Skechers asked the court for unspecified monetary damages as well as an order prohibiting Hermès from infringing.
Skechers has previously sued Fila, Reebok, Steve Madden, and other shoemakers for infringing on "Go Walk" design patents, which were later settled.