Patents

Allbirds maintains a portfolio of intellectual property rights that protect various aspects of its footwear products, including design features, construction methods, and technical innovations. To provide public notice of these protections, the company publishes patent-related information through an online virtual marking system. This approach is intended to comply with applicable legal requirements in the United States and other jurisdictions where patent rights may exist. By making this information available electronically, the company offers a practical and efficient way to inform consumers, competitors, and other interested parties about the intellectual property associated with its products.

The footwear products covered by this notice may incorporate patented technologies, distinctive design characteristics, or proprietary manufacturing approaches that have been developed through years of research and product refinement. These innovations represent significant investments in engineering, material development, design exploration, and testing. As a result, various products may be protected by one or more patents, whether in the form of utility patents that cover functional aspects or design patents that protect ornamental features. In certain cases, multiple patents may apply to a single product, reflecting the range of innovations contained within a particular design.

Patent protection extends beyond a simple product name and can apply to individual components, structures, material arrangements, or methods used during manufacturing. Features such as sole configurations, upper constructions, integrated knit systems, flexible support zones, and other performance-oriented elements may be protected under applicable intellectual property laws. These protections help preserve the originality of the company’s work and encourage continued investment in innovation by safeguarding the results of extensive development efforts.

The information provided through virtual patent marking should be viewed as a general notice rather than a complete or final listing of all intellectual property rights. Patent portfolios are dynamic and subject to ongoing change. New patents may be issued over time, while existing patents may expire according to their statutory terms. Additionally, patent applications may be pending in various jurisdictions and could result in additional rights once granted. Because of these ongoing developments, any published list of patents and associated products may be updated periodically to reflect the current status of intellectual property protections.

The absence of a specific patent number, product model, or design feature from a published notice should not be interpreted as evidence that such items are unprotected. Intellectual property rights may exist even when they are not specifically identified in a public listing. Likewise, the appearance of a product within a virtual marking disclosure does not necessarily indicate that only the listed patents apply. Additional patents, applications, or related rights may also provide protection for that product or technology. As a result, interested parties should not rely solely on a published list when evaluating the scope of intellectual property coverage.

Virtual patent marking offers several practical advantages over traditional product marking methods. Instead of placing extensive patent information directly on every product, packaging component, or product label, companies can provide updated information through an online resource. This allows patent notices to remain accurate and current without requiring modifications to physical inventory. As product lines evolve and patent rights change, virtual marking enables information to be revised more efficiently while continuing to satisfy legal notice requirements.

Protecting intellectual property plays an important role in supporting creativity and technological advancement. The development of modern footwear often involves extensive experimentation with materials, construction techniques, comfort systems, and performance enhancements. By securing patent protection for these innovations, companies can encourage continued investment in research and design while helping to prevent unauthorized copying of unique solutions. Intellectual property rights provide a framework that rewards innovation and supports the introduction of new products to the marketplace.

Nothing contained within a patent notice should be interpreted as granting permission to use any protected invention, design, technology, or manufacturing process. Ownership of patent rights remains with the patent holder, and all associated legal protections continue to apply. Any reproduction, manufacture, sale, importation, or distribution of patented products or technologies without proper authorization may violate applicable intellectual property laws and could lead to enforcement actions. Patent owners retain the right to protect their innovations through legal remedies available under relevant statutes and regulations.

This type of disclosure is intended solely to provide information regarding the existence of intellectual property rights and the products to which those rights may relate. It serves as a transparent method of communicating patent ownership while helping satisfy legal requirements for constructive notice. Through the maintenance and periodic updating of patent information, the company demonstrates its commitment to protecting the creative, technical, and design achievements that contribute to the development of its footwear products. Continued investment in innovation remains closely connected to the protection of intellectual property, ensuring that new ideas and advancements can be responsibly developed and brought to market.