Skechers loses infringement case against HandsFree Labs in EU court
On Oct. 16, the Unified Patent Court, a European court whose rulings apply across 18 European Union countries, ruled in favor of HandsFree Labs (HFL), the parent company of Kizik and the affiliate company, Fast IP, in a patent case against Skechers regarding hands-free footwear.
European shoemakers find that over a third of shoes sold on 3 online sites do not comply with EU rules
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) claims that more than a third of shoes sold on three Chinese e-commerce platforms did not meet chemical compliance requirements and called on European Union authorities to ensure effective enforcement and clear accountability across the e-commerce supply chain.
Bequem-Schuh files for self-administration weeks after being taken over
The footwear retailer Bequem-Schuh GmbH has entered self-administered insolvency proceedings just weeks after being acquired in early September by Berlin-based investor Steffen Liebich through his investment firm Goal Beteiligungsgesellschaft, according to German media reports. The reason for the filing was not immediately clear.
André goes into liquidation after 130 years of existence
After 130 years of existence, André is being liquidated. The downfall of the French footwear chain has accelerated since 2019, with the business going into receivership four times over the past six years.
Bally’s German subsidiary enters insolvency proceedings
Bally’s German retail subsidiary has become insolvent as the Swiss luxury shoemaker continues to restructure its business and close stores under the ownership of Regent LP.
Kybun moves part of shoe production to Italy amid dispute over "Swissness" rules
The Swiss comfort shoe manufacturer Kybun Joya is moving part of its production from Sennwald, in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, to its factory in Montebelluna, northern Italy, amid controversy over the Alpine country’s new “Swissness” regulations.
Genesco wins a proxy battle as shareholders re-elect all 9 board nominees
Genesco has won a proxy battle against activist investors as shareholders re-elected all nine members of the board during an annual general meeting held on July 21.
US imposes 25% tariff on Brazilian goods
The US will impose a 25 percent tariff on most imports from Brazil starting July 22, after a yearlong investigation into what the US administration calls unfair trade practices, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Bally placed under court supervision amid financial distress
Weeks after announcing a wave of store closures and the end of shoe production in Switzerland, the Swiss luxury shoemaker Bally has been placed under court supervision amid deepening financial difficulties, with the company’s liabilities standing at around CHF 20 million (€21.6 million). A Swiss court has appointed an external ...
EU considers gradual access to social media platforms for children
The European Commission is considering a “phased and gradual access” to social media platforms to protect children.