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On May 3, 2018, Nike ($NKE) sued Puma for patent infringement.  Nike’s principle gripe is that Puma ripped off its groundbreaking “knitwear” sneaker as well as its tech for Air and cleats.  Nike’s lawsuit touches three large product segments, and Puma faces considerable exposure if Nike prevails.  That exposure is increased based upon Nike’s request for potentially triple damages, lost profits and an injunction.  Is this the start of the sneaker patent wars?