Reebok has sued Nike, alleging its rival infringed on a patent covering “collapsible shoe” technology that allows sneakers to be folded so they can more easily be packed for travel or product shipping.
Reebok International Ltd. , which was acquired in January 2006 by Germany-based Adidas AG, alleged Tuesday that 11 Nike shoe models infringe on a U.S. patent Reebok obtained in January for flexible sole technology. The models are marketed under the product names “Free,” “Free Zen & Now,” “Free Trainer,” and “Free Trail,” Canton, Mass.-based Reebok said.
