ASICS America - Running Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories

ASICS Seeks Injunction And Damages From Skechers USA

Irvine, CA (January 31, 2007) - ASICS America Corporation (Irvine, California) and ASICS Corporation Japan (Kobe, Japan) announced today that a lawsuit was filed in the US District Court, Central District of California on January 26, 2007 against Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (Manhattan Beach, CA) for trademark infringement, unfair competition, trademark dilution and false advertising. ASICS is seeking a permanent injunction against Skechers to prevent any future sales and distribution of shoes that bear a stripe design similar to ASICS famous stripe design. In addition, ASICS is also seeking damages, including profits and attorney fees.

The Skechers SHOWDOWN, SAVOY, URBAN SPIKE HIP HOP and JUNCTIONS all sold by Skechers, have a stripe design confusingly similar to that of ASICS globally recognized ASICS Stripes. "These shoes are an attempt to free-ride on the ASICS brand image and goodwill associated with our stripe mark that we have developed over the years." says Michael Zall, Vice President and General Counsel for ASICS America Corporation. "ASICS has spent over 40 years building a world renowned premium brand and nurturing the goodwill represented by this mark. We will do what we must to protect the ASICS brand and to maintain its integrity."

ASICS Corporation, with more than 50 years of footwear manufacturing experience, offers a full line of performance-driven athletic shoes and technical active sports apparel and accessories. The ASICS® shoe line includes cutting-edge, technical footwear for running, racing, cross country, track and field, walking, training, court, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, cheerleading, Sportstyle and Onitsuka Tiger™.