Key facts
- Swatch is seeking $170 million in damages from Samsung.
- The lawsuit claims Samsung allowed digital clones of Swatch watches on its smartwatches.
- A British judge will rule on damages after Samsung was found liable for trademark infringement in 2022.
- The infringement involved third-party apps replicating popular models from Swatch-owned brands like Omega and Tissot.
- Swatch accused Samsung of "large-scale appropriation" of its trademarks.
- Samsung described Swatch's demands as "extravagant".
Swiss watchmaker Swatch is pursuing Samsung for $170 million in damages, alleging the South Korean electronics giant permitted digital replicas of Swatch-owned watches on its smartwatches. The Financial Times reported that a British judge is expected to issue a ruling on the damages soon, following a 2022 High Court decision that found Samsung liable for trademark infringement. The infringement occurred through third-party applications available on Samsung smartwatches, which enabled users to replicate popular models from Swatch-owned brands, including luxury labels Omega and Tissot.
The legal proceedings, which commenced in 2019, also pertain to infringement within the European Union. The upcoming ruling is anticipated to pave the way for a parallel claim by Swatch against a Samsung subsidiary in the United States. Swatch has accused Samsung of "large-scale appropriation" of its valuable trademarks, while Samsung has countered that the demands are "extravagant" and disproportionate. Representatives for both Swatch and Samsung have submitted written statements to the High Court as it determines the damages.