Nike Trademark Alert: Flyplate Technology Moves from Track to Legal Battle

For years, Nike has found a way to create a buzz with its incredible inventions. This was exactly the case in 2017 when marathoner extraordinaire Eliud Kipchoge chased the unthinkable, nearly breaking the two-hour marathon record. His secret weapon? The Nike Vaporfly Four Percent shoes featuring a thin, curved carbon fiber plate.

This remarkable innovation is known as Flyplate, and it has been a game changer in the running industry. In a recent move, Nike has taken steps to legally protect the name through a recent trademark filing application. 

Why file the trademark application now?

Flyplate is a technology that has been around since 2017. It made its debut with the Nike Vaporfly Four Percent during the Breaking Two project. This was an initiative that aimed to break the two-hour marathon barrier, which at that time seemed impossible. After that, Flyplate became an integral part of Nike’s running shoes.

So why file for a trademark now if this is not an entirely new concept? This step hints at Nike’s intention to exclusively own and use the name. It could also be a way of staying ahead of competitors who have developed similar plated technologies but have not yet secured their intellectual property assets. 

The filing was made on February 6th under the clothing products category, specifically for footwear. This shows that, for now, Nike only intends to use this technology for shoes. But could Flyplate be for more than just racing shoes -something people can style into everyday looks? Let us explore.

Running shoe technology is now influencing streetwear and high fashion

Sneaker culture has been a huge fashion trend, and Nike has always been at the center of it. A perfect example is the Nike Air Jordans, which are not just performance shoes but also a fashion must-have for sneaker lovers. Even though they were initially made specifically for Michael Jordan, a celebrated basketball icon, they quickly became a sensation, even for people who aren’t quite familiar with the sport. 

Could this be where Nike is headed with Flyplate? Maybe even a full-on celebrity collaboration with the world’s greatest marathon runners, like marathoner Eliud Kipchoge? He is already a familiar face at Nike, and his influence could reach beyond sports into fashion. While the technology was originally made for racing, its impact could go much further.

Sneaker culture has already blended with high-end fashion for years, and with Flyplate, it could just be a matter of time before this happens again. Filing this trademark under the clothing category could hint at Nike’s ambition to use the technology for both performance and style.

Nike’s vision

One thing that never changes is Nike’s ability to lead in performance, quality, and style. While this trademark protects a technology, it could also signal something bigger. Could Nike be stepping into the future with performance-driven style?

Time will tell.