Nike is Suing Lululemon for Patent Infringement Over Thi

It looks like the battle of two top athletic apparel retailers has gotten even more intense.

Nike this week filed a lawsuit against Lululemon for patent infringement over at-home Mirror gym and fitness apps.

Lululemon had bought Mirror for $500 million in 2020.

Nike, who has launched its own range of popular mobile apps such as Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club, claims that in 1983, it invented and filed a patent application on a device for determining a runner’s speed, distance traversed, elapsed time and calories expended.

It has also since launched a range of popular mobile apps that are Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club.

The company said it holds a number of other fitness equipment patents that Lululemon is infringing on by selling Mirror.

The Mirror is a wall-mounted device that guides users through a variety of high-intensity cardio classes and other exercises.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, Nike said that it had notified Lululemon on Nov. 3 of the alleged infringement and that the leggings maker dismissed Nike’s claims. The suit was filed in Manhattan federal court.

A spokesperson for Lululemon said in an emailed statement to CNBC, “The patents in question are overly broad and invalid. We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court.”

Lululemon is also in another legal battle, with Peloton. In late November, it filed a patent lawsuit against the connected fitness company in a feud over the designs of its sports bras and leggings.

Lululemon shares closed Wednesday down 4.8% while Nike shares fell 2.5%.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.