In 1991, Avia filed a lawsuit against Nike, alleging that Nike's ''Air 180'' and ''Air Force 180'' running and basketball shoes infringed upon Avia patents. Avia accused Nike of pirating its ''Cantilever'' technology, which uses a cushion to provide shock absorption and stability.
Nike was sued by Avia in 1991 over its ''Air 180'' and ''Air Force 180'' shoes, which Avia alleged copied its proprietary ''Cantilever'' technology for shock absorption and stability in footwear.