Swatch takes Samsung to court over smartwatch trademark violations

London's High Court found Samsung liable in 2022 over apps that let users replicate luxury watch faces.

Swatch vs Samsung

Damages ruling is expected soon

Samsung may be ordered to pay USD 170 million, or around PHP 10.4 billion, in damages in a trademark lawsuit filed by Swiss watchmaker Swatch.

According to a Reuters report, Swatch accuses Samsung of allowing third-party apps on its smartwatches to digitally replicate its timepieces, court documents show.

Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a separate filing cited by the ‌Financial ⁠Times, which first reported on the trial, Samsung called Swatch's demands "extravagant" and outsized.

A damages ruling is expected shortly after the trial wrapped up Friday. London's High Court had already found Samsung liable for trademark infringement in 2022 over the apps, which let users copy designs from Swatch-owned brands including Omega and Tissot.

Swatch's lawyers say the USD 170 million claim is calculated on hypothetical licence fees across 10 of its brands, accounting for their prestige and market pull.

The suit, which dates to 2019, also encompasses alleged infringement within the EU and could open the door to a separate claim against a Samsung unit in the United States.

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Via: Reuters