Skechers sues rival Asics for trade libel

NEW YORK, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Shoemaker Skechers USA INC. (SKX.N: Quote, Profile , Research) said on Tuesday it sued rival Asics Corp. (7936.T: Quote, NEWS , Research) and its American unit Asics America Corp. for trade libel and unfair competition in response to its rival's lawsuit accusing Skechers of copyright infringement.Skechers said it was seeking $100 million in damages and a declaration from Asics that it has not infringed upon the Japan-based company's trademark with any of its designs.Last month, Asics sued Skechers in a California federal court charging that the stripe design on some of its shoe styles infringed on Asics' trademark.