W.L. Gore & Associates and Geox, the Italian footwear brand, have put an end to their disputes regarding Gore's Surround technology and have agreed on a settlement in the case. After Gore's introduction of Surround to the market, there have been legal quarrels in several European countries. The conflict has now been solved with Geox granting a long-term license to Gore for certain patents owned by the Italian company to back up the intellectual property rights related to its famous claim “The shoe that breathes.” In return, Geox will no longer assert its patent rights in relation to shoe constructions developed by Gore that are out of the scope of that license. The agreement also applies to Gore's manufacturing and retail partners.

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