Under Armour Inc. filed suit against Skechers USA Inc. in a U.S. District Court of Maryland on February 10th for copying their “Protect This House” ads that were debuted in 2010. Under Armour alleges that Skechers commercial “slavishly copies” one of Under Armour’s most recognizable ads that features the catchphrase, “Protect this house. I will.”
The suit says Skechers uses similar music, visual elements and narrative features to the “Protect this House” ads. There are noted similarities between the commercials which include scenes of athletes climbing pegboards, whipping heavy ropes, boxing and jumping hurdles. Under Armour also alleges the commercial uses a similar soundtrack.
In the suit, Under Armour demanded a jury trial and asked the court to order Skechers to destroy the commercial and issue an injunction barring Skechers from using the commercial or creating marketing materials similar to Under Armour’s in the future.
Under Armour is also seeking actual damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and any profits Skechers received from those commercials.
Under Armour is an American sports clothing and accessories company founded in 1996, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Under Armour has sponsorship agreements with athletes such as Lindsey Vonn, Bryce Harper, and Tom Brady.
Skechers is an American shoe company founded in 1992, headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California. Skechers has sponsorship agreements with runners such as Meb Keflezighi, Reilly Smith, and Madi Serpico.