Skechers Faces Latest Patent Infringement Suit Over Hands-Free Sneakers

Skechers Faces Latest Patent Infringement Suit Over Hands-Free Sneakers

Introduction

Utah-based shoemaker HandsFree Licensing Labs (HFL) has filed a lawsuit against Skechers in the Eastern District of Texas, alleging patent infringement related to the company’s Hands Free Slip-In technology. The suit claims that Skechers’ technology — featured in more than one-third of its products — was misappropriated from HFL’s patented innovations, which were originally developed to improve footwear accessibility for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and children.

Factual Background

HFL’s Kizik brand pioneered hands-free sneakers in 2017 under the vision of inventor Michael Pratt, who developed a novel titanium arc that secures the shoe against the heel as the wearer steps in. This design specifically supports people with mobility challenges who may struggle with laces or bending down.

Despite this innovation, Skechers launched its Hands Free Slip-In line, aggressively promoted during Super Bowl LVII just days before the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg endorsed the product as part of Skechers’ large marketing campaign. According to Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg, this technology has been “integral to our global growth,” with HFL claiming that 35% of Skechers’ products listed online now feature the slip-in tech.

HFL asserts that instead of seeking a license or investing in a partnership, Skechers copied the patented elements — including the Heel Pillow, molded heel structure, and elastic upper — which appear in popular Skechers product lines such as Arch Fit, Max Cushioning, Ultra Flex, Glide-Step, GO WALK, GO RUN, Summits, D’Lites, Work, and Kids/Youth.

HFL’s patents-in-suit include:

• U.S. Patent No. 11,633,006
• U.S. Patent No. 11,871,811
• U.S. Patent No. 12,121,096
• U.S. Patent No. 12,274,325
• U.S. Patent Nos. D1037641 and D1038067 (design patents)

Contentions of the Parties

HFL’s Contentions:

• Skechers’ slip-in shoes infringe on multiple HFL patents, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
• Skechers has engaged in willful infringement by knowingly copying protected designs instead of licensing them.
• HFL points to its prior partnership with Nike, which invested in HFL’s Foot Activated Shoe Technology in 2019, showing how other major brands respected its IP rights properly.

Skechers’ Potential Defenses:

• Skechers may argue that its design does not infringe, that HFL’s patents are invalid, or that the technology was developed independently.
• Skechers may claim lack of knowledge about HFL’s patents.

Legal History and Pattern

This lawsuit adds to Skechers’ history of alleged design copying. Major brands Adidas and Nike have filed multiple suits against Skechers in the past, accusing it of building its business model on replicating competitor innovations. Notably, a 2017 order by the District of Oregon found that instructions to produce knockoffs of Adidas shoes likely came directly from CEO Greenberg himself.

Venue

HFL filed in the Eastern District of Texas, a popular venue for patent cases due to its established handling of IP disputes. The complaint cites Skechers’ strong business ties in the region — including multiple retail stores, promotional partnerships like the Houston Marathon, and continuous sales operations recognized in previous Texas court rulings against Skechers.

Relief Sought

HFL is seeking:

• A judgment confirming Skechers’ infringement.
• Injunctive relief to stop sales of infringing shoes.
• Damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284 for the infringement.
• A finding of willful infringement.
• An exceptional case determination under 35 U.S.C. § 285 plus attorneys’ fees.

Implications

The lawsuit underscores the high stakes of intellectual property protection in the footwear industry and highlights the risks brands face when alleged to have misused patented technologies. With prominent celebrities endorsing Skechers’ slip-ins and a large share of its catalog under scrutiny, the case may significantly impact Skechers’ business model.

Outcome

The case is ongoing, and Skechers has not yet filed its formal response to HFL’s allegations.