New Balance Sued Decathlon Over Trademark Infringement
New Balance alleges that the Decathlon Kiprun logo resembles its own protected N mark.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Do you believe companies should be allowed to trademark simple, common letter-based logo designs?
New Balance has filed a lawsuit against Decathlon, alleging that its Kiprun brand utilizes a logo confusingly similar to the iconic New Balance N mark. The litigation asserts that this similarity causes confusion at the point of sale and beyond.
Why it matters
The lawsuit seeks to protect the visual identity of New Balance, a brand that has used its signature N mark for 50 years. Trademark litigation serves as a critical mechanism for the company to defend its market presence and consumer recognition against competing athletic footwear designs.
New Balance has featured its N mark on footwear for 50 years since its 1976 launch. The lawsuit specifically identifies eight Kiprun models including the Kipstorm Elite, Kipstorm Tempo, Kipstorm Lab, Kipride, Kipride Max, Kipsummit, Kipsummit Max, and Kipsummit Race.
The players
New Balance
This athletic apparel and footwear company has been in operation for over a century and is known for its signature N logo.
Decathlon
Based in France, this international sporting goods retailer operates through an extensive network of stores and online channels.
The details
New Balance claims that certain Kiprun designs utilize a mirror image of the letter K that mimics the appearance of the N mark. Decathlon, which introduced the Kiprun line to the United States market in April 2026, maintains that its logo is intended to represent the letter K.
Timeline
1976: New Balance launched its first shoe featuring the N mark.
April 2026: Decathlon launched the first Kiprun model in the United States.
September 15, 2026: New Balance filed the trademark lawsuit in Massachusetts.
Season Trajectory
This lawsuit follows the pattern set by previous New Balance trademark litigation against Michael Kors and Nautica. It reflects the ongoing effort by major athletic brands to strictly police their visual trademarks as competition in the U.S. performance running market intensifies.
The litigation targets specific shoe models including the Kipstorm and Kipsummit lines, which are currently sold through Decathlon's website and specialty distributors. Depending on the court outcome, these products could face future branding changes or restricted availability in the U.S. market.
The takeaway
Trademark disputes between global athletic brands often hinge on the specific visual design of logos and how they influence consumer perception. Companies frequently use litigation to prevent market confusion and protect the long-term value of their most recognizable design assets.
Further reading
For more context on the industry, visit the Running section.
Live Poll
Do you believe companies should be allowed to trademark simple, common letter-based logo designs?
