Swatch is seeking $170 million in damages from Samsung in what it calls the largest-ever trademark case of its kind in the UK, accusing the South Korean electronics group of allowing digital replicas of Swatch timepieces on its smartwatches. A ruling on damages is expected soon after a trial concluded on Friday, following a 2022 finding by London's High Court that Samsung was liable for trademark infringement over third-party apps on its smartwatches. The apps enabled users to replicate popular models by Swatch-owned brands including Omega and Tissot. The case, which began in 2019 before Britain completed its exit from the European Union, also covers alleged infringement within the bloc, and the forthcoming ruling could pave the way for a parallel claim by Swatch against a Samsung subsidiary in the United States. A June 19 filing by Swatch's solicitors says the $170 million in damages is based on hypothetical licence fees across 10 Swatch brands and reflects the prestige, reputation and drawing power of the group's portfolio. Samsung called Swatch's demands extravagant and outsized in a separate filing cited by the Financial Times.
Samsung Electronics Co LtdSamsung found liable for trademark infringement; faces $170M damages claim and potential US claim.
The Swatch Group AGSwatch seeks $170M damages from Samsung for trademark infringement, with a ruling expected soon.