// Nike sues Lululemon for patent infringement over at-home Mirror gym and fitness apps
// Lululemon bought Mirror for $500 million in 2020
Nike has filed a lawsuit accusing Lululemon of patent infringement over the activewear retail’s at-home Mirror fitness device and related mobile applications.
Nike 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 such as 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, a wall-mounted device that guides users through a variety of high-intensity cardio classes and other exercises.
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Lululemon bought Mirror for $500 million in 2020 amid a rush among consumers to workout at home amid the Covid pandemic.
Sportswear and athleisure retailers have benefited during the pandemic as people forced to work or spend more time home ditched dressier clothing for hoodies, leggings and other casual wear.
The device puts Lululemon in competition with rivals such as Peloton, Hydrow and Tonal.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, Nike said, it notified Lululemon on November 3rd 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, “The patents in question are overly broad and invalid. We are confident in our position and look forward to defending it in court.”
Lululemon shares closed Wednesday down 4.8%. Nike shares fell 2.5% amid a broader market sell-off.
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