Airline body urges African governments to act on opening market access
‘Strategies don’t move people. Now it is time to make the difficult decisions and execute them,’ senior executive stresses.
MARKETING SPATS
Adidas and Nike going head-to-head over claimed patent infringement
By our News Team | 2021
Giant sporting equipment brands are at loggerheads, with Nike claiming its technological advances are being copied by Adidas.
Two of the word’s most prominent sporting brands are becoming locked in an unseemly marketing spat over allegations that the one has copied the technological advances of the other.
German-based Adidas and US-based Nike are the brands in question, with Nike attempting to block the importation into the US of the Adidas range of Primeknit sports shoes.
In papers filed with the International Trade Commission in Washington, Nike is alleging that the technology being used in the shoes is actually an infringement of patents that cover Nike’s FlyKnit technology.
The technology uses specialised yarn from recycled and reclaimed materials to create a sock-like fit in the upper part of the shoe. According to Nike, this is the result of more than a decade of research, most of which was done in the US.
Nike’s FlyKnit technology is said to be used by a number of top international sports stars – among them soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge and basketballer LeBron James.
Photo courtesy of Adidas
“And while Adidas unsuccessfully challenged Nike’s patents, it continued to use Nike’s patented technology without permission,” Nike said in the complaint. “Nike is now forced to bring this action to defend its investments in innovation to protect its technology by halting Adidas’ unauthorised use.”
Adidas, meanwhile, has vowed it will defend the allegations, with a spokesperson saying in a statement: “Our Primeknit technology resulted from years of dedicated research and shows our commitment to sustainability.”
According to an article published in Ad Age, the US trade agency is a popular forum for companies looking to derail rivals. The commission works more quickly than most courts, with final decisions typically in 15 to 18 months. Not only can it block products at the US border, the commission also can halt sales of products already brought into the country.
Uganda Tourism Board partners with major European ice hockey league
UTB says its ambition is to turn the visibility into interest, bookings and more visitors choosing to explore Uganda.
Researchers explain why 10-second micro ads outperform longer spots
Short ads shown on TV increased website visits within five minutes of airing by 10-40% compared with longer advertisements.
Competition continues to grow in the Moroccan supermarket sector
Supeco’s rapid expansion shows how the discount model is becoming a bigger part of grocery retail in the North African country.
Study identifies harmful paradox behind well-meaning green efforts
Consumers reward visible eco-friendly additions such as reusable bottles, but give little credit to businesses that reduce or remove products.
President Mahama commissions expanded evaporated milk facility in Ghana
Nestlé believes Ghana will continue to play a leading role in the future of Central and West Africa.
Momentum beginning to build for 2027 ACCS gathering in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s marketers gather to celebrate hosting next year’s conference – but with an eye on the hard work ahead.
PwC report examines the future of African entertainment and media
Tech is creating more ways for audiences to connect, but lasting value will come from understanding the people behind those connections.
Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa
The new production line at the historic Maydon Wharf facility in Durban will address growing international demand.
World MICE Awards in Jamaica honour best African and global achievers
Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa all feature in the African meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions awards.
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.