adidas-Salomon AG Statement regarding Nike Inc.’s Patent Infringement Suit

Herzogenaurach, February 17, 2006 - adidas-Salomon AG has just received confirmation that the complaint was filed at the court in the U.S. yesterday afternoon.

adidas is committed to leading the industry when it comes to innovation. We respect our competitor's intellectual property just as we demand that others respect ours and we defend ourselves vigorously against meritless lawsuits.

We are currently examining the content of Nike's complaint with our legal advisers and therefore we cannot comment on the specifics of the lawsuit at this stage.