Skechers wins lawsuit against Converse

Converse, one of America’s most iconic footwear companies, filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit against the well-known shoe company Skechers, a fellow American lifestyle and performance footwear brand, where International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favour of Skechers.

In October 2014, Converse sued Skechers in Federal District Court and before the International Trade Commission, alleging that Skechers’ Twinkle Toes and Bobs shoe lines infringed its Chuck Taylor midsole common law and registered trademarks. The ITC agreed that there weren’t enough design similarities between the Skechers products and Converse’s Chuck Taylor line to constitute trademark infringement nor to confuse consumers between the two brands. Skechers can continue to import and sell its Twinkle Toes and Bobs shoes in the US.

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Michael Greenberg, President of Skechers said, “While we expected this result, we are still very pleased with the Judge’s ruling on Twinkle Toes and BOBS. Countless companies, including Skechers, have used the same midsole design in canvas court-style sneakers for decades. Our investment in our distinctive designs and brand identity has helped build Twinkle Toes into the No. 1 shoe line for young girls and both Twinkle Toes and BOBS into household names synonymous with Skechers – not with Converse or any other brand. The Judge’s ruling recognizes this.”