Latest news with #GarethHosford
Fashion United
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Kizik brings legal dispute with Skechers to Europe
HandsFree Labs (HFL), the parent company of Kizik, has extended its legal dispute with Skechers USA to Europe, where it has now filed a trademark infringement complaint with the Unified Patent Court in Munich, Germany. In the complaint, issued by Fast IP, LLC – the intellectual property (IP) holding company of HFL – and seen by WWD, a disputed amount of one million euros was cited. The number serves as a preliminary estimate used to get the lawsuit filed, the media outlet noted. HFL has named the German, Swiss, Belgian, Italian and French arms of Skechers operations in the suit, which bears resemblance to the complaint already underway in the US. As such, HFL is once again targeting Skechers' Hands Free Slip-Ins line, the products of which it claims infringe on a number of its utility and design patents Akin to its US filing, HFL has called for Skechers to be banned from selling its hands-free shoes in 18 European countries, and is seeking to recall products placed on the market since July 9. HFL is also requesting provisional damages amounting to 200,000 euros, as well as other monetary damages. HFL had initially launched its legal quarrel with Skechers in July. According to its filing with a court in Texas, the company believes Skechers had 'knowingly and willfully' infringed on its patents that protect 'ornamental innovations'. Gareth Hosford, HFL's CEO, said the company was 'forced to defend' its hands-free technology 'against a company that chose to imitate rather than innovate'. Skechers later publicly responded to the lawsuit, calling HFL's claims 'baseless' and stating that it intended to 'aggressively challenge both the validity of the patents and the infringement claims'. In its statement, the footwear giant said it had 'obtained more than 140 utility and design patents worldwide, including in the US'. It also expressed suspicion at the timing of the lawsuit, which came shortly after the announcement that the brand was to be taken over by 3G Capital in a 9.42 billion dollar merger. In regards to this latest complaint, a Skechers spokesperson told WWD that the company had 'no further comment'.
Miami Herald
28-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Skechers accused of stealing design behind its bestselling shoe line
Founded in 1992, Skechers has grown to become the third-largest footwear company in the world, with around 5,300 stores nationwide and a diverse lineup of shoe categories. Skechers launched its Hands Free Slip-ins shoe line in 2023, quickly becoming its most popular product line and a key driver of its recent growth. However, its best-selling product is now at risk amid a high-stakes legal battle. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Skechers is facing a patent infringement lawsuit filed by HandsFree Labs, Kizik's Parent company, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The lawsuit alleges Skechers knowingly and willfully violated multiple patents with its popular Hands Free Slip-ins shoes. Related: Nike rival makes unexpected change in attempt at sneaker dominance Skechers is accused of copying four utility patents and two design patents that protect HandsFree Labs' hands-free footwear technologies. HandsFree Labs claims it developed and protected these technologies long before Skechers entered the category. Image source: Getty Images Established in 2017, HandsFree Labs has over 200 issued and pending patents, some dating back more than 15 years, covering its portfolio of hands-free footwear systems, including Cage, Flex Arc, and Squeeze It technologies. These technologies allow people to slip their feet into shoes easily without using their hands or tying their shoelaces. More Retail News: Walmart makes exclusive deal with major brand to compete with rivalsPepsi issues stern message to employees after mass closuresWalmart makes more cuts customers won't like "This isn't just a product Skechers copied, it's a category we created," said HandsFree Labs CEO Gareth Hosford in a press release. "From the start, our mission was clear - to revolutionize how people put on their shoes. We believed this everyday task could be easier, faster, and more convenient. We poured our energy into developing the technology to solve a real-world problem and make hands-free shoes a reality. We're now forced to defend that work against a company that chose to imitate rather than innovate." HandsFree Labs has licensed its technologies to major brands like Nike and other renowned shoe makers. If it wins the case, it would be credited as the source for Skechers' products. If Skechers loses this legal battle, it wouldn't just damage its annual revenue and brand reputation. It also comes at a time when the company faces significant tariffs, as 40% of the shoes it sells to its U.S. market are manufactured in China. Skechers (SKX) Slip-in shoes represent a significant portion of its U.S. online inventory, making up one-third of its product offerings on its official website. The company has repeatedly highlighted the success of this category in recent earnings calls, stating that it is its best-performing and resonates well with consumers. This has helped it boost sales and consumer engagement. For the full year of 2024, Skechers reported $8.79 billion in sales, representing a 12.1% year-over-year increase. However, HandsFree Labs claims this rapid growth has been fueled by unauthorized use of its proprietary innovations. Related: Why your favorite retail store is going out of business "The real danger here isn't just to our company, it's to innovation itself," said Hosford. "When billion-dollar brands can openly copy protected technologies and profit from doing so with no consequences, it sends a dangerous message to every entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor: Your work doesn't matter. We can't accept that. And we won't." With this lawsuit, HandsFree Labs demands a trial by jury on all issues and seeks to be awarded restitution from Skechers for its attorney's fees, costs, and expenses of actions, as well as other relief as deemed proper by the court. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Fashion United
28-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Kizik parent company accuses Skechers of patent infringement in new lawsuit
Skechers has found itself on the receiving end of a lawsuit over its sale of hands-free footwear by the company that claims to have created the category. HandsFree Labs (HFL), the intellectual property owner behind Kizik, has accused Skechers USA of patent infringement for mechanical constructions that allow for hands-free shoe entry. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that Skechers 'knowingly and willfully' infringed on four HFL utility patents as well as two design patents protecting 'ornamental innovations'. The suit particularly references the Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins line, which are said to feature infringing heel and elastic upper elements. After Skechers first launched its hands-free styles in 2023, the category has become an 'integral' part of its business, with the brand's slip-ins line now accounting for around 35 percent of the products listed on its website, the lawsuit notes. This, however, rides on the coattails of Kizik, according to HFL, with Skechers launching such products without licensing and acknowledging the brand, instead promoting the designs as proprietary. Skechers Hands Free line becomes integral part of the business HFL references other cases in which Skechers has previously been accused of infringing global brands, including Nike, to reaffirm its case, adding that it is yet 'another innovator whose hard work has been misappropriated by Skechers without recognition or compensation'. In contrast, HFL has backed licensed collaborations on hands-free footwear designs with brands like Nike, which had made a strategic investment into the firm in 2019. Through the lawsuit, HFL hopes to 'stop Skechers' rampant infringement' and obtain a 'proper share' of the brand's 'billions in annual revenue'. The company is calling for a trial by jury and has requested an injunction to avoid further infringement and compensation for damages. In a press release addressing the lawsuit, Gareth Hosford, CEO of HFL, said: 'This isn't just a product Skechers copied, it's a category we created. From the start, our mission was clear - to revolutionise how people put on their shoes. We believed this everyday task could be easier, faster, and more convenient. We poured our energy into developing the technology to solve a real-world problem and make hands-free shoes a reality. We're now forced to defend that work against a company that chose to imitate rather than innovate.' Since its founding in 2017, HFL has set out to establish Kizikas the leading hands-free footwear brand, boasting over 200 patents and applications globally to reinforce its presence in the specialty footwear market. In recent years, the company has been pursuing a new level of growth through store experiences, an omnichannel brand platform and new global distribution partners, underlining its intention to globally expand the business. FashionUnited has contacted Skechers with a request to comment.
Fashion United
03-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Kizik appoints new chief executive officer
Gareth Hosford was appointed chief executive officer of US footwear brand Kizik and its parent company, HandsFree Labs. Hosford has over 20 years of experience in the footwear and sportswear industries, with previous senior roles at Nike, Converse and sportswear start-up Omorpho. Under Hosford's leadership, Kizik aims to grow further, both online and in brick and mortar stores. His remit is to strengthen the brand's innovative capacity, expand its international presence and leverage the company's patented hands-free technology. Founder Mike Pratt said of Hosford: 'His exceptional track record in building iconic global brands, combined with a start-up mentality and a relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to guide us into our next phase of growth. Equally important, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to strengthen and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth.' Former chief executive officer Monte Deere will remain on the board and will now focus on licensing strategy. In 2019, Kizik entered into a licensing partnership with Nike. Utah-based Kizik became known for its so-called 'hands-free' sneakers that can be put on without using your hands. Thanks to a special heel design, the shoes flex with your foot. The brand holds over 200 patents on this technology and sells worldwide, primarily through its own online channels. In 2022, the company raised 20 million dollars to invest in new products and stores. Since 2023, Kizik has also been available at department store chain Nordstrom and has opened its first brick and mortar store in Salt Lake City. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
