US footwear designer and developer Skechers USA, Inc. has issued a strong denial of the trademark infringement, unfair competition, trademark dilution and false advertising claims filed against the company by Asics America Corporation and Asics Corporation (Japan) on January 26, in California. Asics filed the suit in the district court alleging that several Skechers styles bear a stripe design similar to an Asics stripe design.

 “We believe that this lawsuit is completely without merit and will vigorously defend ourselves and our customers against such baseless allegations,” said Philip Paccione, general counsel and executive vice president of Skechers. “Our stripe design does not look like the Asics trademark; in fact, on the shoes in issue, our differences are patently obvious. Our designs use one horizontal stripe while Asics uses two horizontal lines—a prominent feature of the Asics trademark. In addition, our designs do not mimic the curves and contours of Asics’ design. There are many differences.”

Based in California, Skechers USA designs, develops and markets footwear for men, women and children under the Skechers name and seven other brand names.