A federal judge has paused a high-stakes patent dispute between global sportswear giants Nike Inc. and New Balance Athletics, Inc., granting a temporary stay in litigation as the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) reviews several of Nike’s Flyknit patents at the heart of the case.
On June 6, U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick ruled in favor of New Balance’s motion to stay the case until August 9, 2025, aligning with the expected PTAB decisions. Nike alleges that New Balance infringed on nine of its Flyknit patents across 61 different shoe models, claiming that the Boston-based company copied its innovative, lightweight knit sneaker technology.
New Balance requested the pause, citing that the PTAB is already actively reviewing six of the nine contested patents. The company argued that a stay would promote judicial efficiency and possibly narrow or eliminate the need for trial if some patents are invalidated.
Judge Kobick, in her ruling, agreed with New Balance’s position, stating that continuing the case while the PTAB deliberates could lead to duplicative proceedings. “Nike has not shown that it will suffer undue prejudice beyond the delay,” Kobick noted, indicating that a short pause would not cause significant harm to the plaintiff.
The judge also highlighted New Balance’s commitment to continue discovery during the stay, including the collection of documents and depositions from international partners. This assurance helped alleviate concerns about lost evidence or unavailable witnesses during the delay.
Nike’s Flyknit technology, first introduced in 2012, is considered a major breakthrough in performance footwear design. The company holds several patents on the material structure, stitching techniques, and manufacturing methods used to create a sock-like fit with minimal waste. Nike contends that New Balance’s knit-based designs unlawfully mirror its patented Flyknit technology.
If the PTAB invalidates some or all of the Flyknit patents under review, it could significantly alter the direction of the case, weakening Nike’s claims and reducing the number of infringing products. Conversely, if the patents are upheld, New Balance may face greater legal exposure and could be required to stop sales or negotiate licensing terms.
The litigation pause is temporary, with proceedings expected to resume following the PTAB’s decisions in August. The outcome will be closely watched by the industry, as it may set a precedent for how similar intellectual property disputes are handled between major athletic brands.
For now, both companies await the PTAB’s judgment, which could either simplify the lawsuit—or set the stage for a prolonged legal battle over innovation in athletic footwear.