L.A. Gear Countersues Nike: L.A. Gear, the...
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
L.A. Gear Countersues Nike: L.A. Gear, the nation’s No. 3 sneaker maker, said it is seeking $3 billion in damages from industry leader Nike for Nike’s alleged efforts “to monopolize the high-tech basketball shoe market and eliminate L.A. Gear as a major competitor in that market.” Previously, Nike sued L.A. Gear, claiming that the Marina del Rey-based firm’s new line of Catapult basketball sneakers infringed on a Nike patent. “If the Catapult didn’t provide the consumer with a new and functional alternative to Nike’s air technology, we doubt Nike would be so concerned,” said Robert Y. Greenberg, L.A. Gear’s chief executive.
