WatchesDec 14, 2023
Chrono24 Names McKinsey Exec as New CEOTechnologyDec 18, 2023
In UK, Swatch Group Notches ‘Milestone’ Victory in Samsung Trademark Case
The watch company has parallel litigation in the United States that is ongoing.
PHOTO This image from court documents supplied by Swatch Group shows, at right, two examples of “watch faces” that once were available in Samsung’s Galaxy App Store alongside watches from Swatch Group-owned brands Breguet (top left) and Glashütte Original (bottom left).
PHOTO Another example, this one showing a Tissot watch (top left) and a Jaquet Droz watch (bottom left) next to watch faces from the Samsung app store
London—A U.K. appeals court has ruled in Swatch Group’s favor in its trademark case against Samsung, a “milestone” victory Swatch Group says will have a significant impact on internet trademark law.
The ruling was handed down Friday in the Court of Appeal in London—the second highest court in the land, behind the U.K. Supreme Court—and upholds a lower court ruling from May 2022.
In that case, Justice Sarah Falk of the High Court of Justice ruled that Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. had infringed the trademarks of a number of Swatch Group’s top watch brands, including Omega, Tissot, Swatch, Hamilton and Longines, via 30 downloadable “watch face” apps.
The apps were available in the Galaxy App Store, the store where Samsung users purchase and download apps for use on their smartphones and smartwatches, from October 2015 until the South Korea-based technology giant removed them in January 2019 at Swatch Group’s request.
Samsung appealed Falk’s ruling to the Court of Appeal, but on Friday, Lord Justice Richard Arnold, Lord Justice Kim Lewison, and Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing rejected that appeal.
Related stories will be right here …
The ruling was handed down Friday in the Court of Appeal in London—the second highest court in the land, behind the U.K. Supreme Court—and upholds a lower court ruling from May 2022.
In that case, Justice Sarah Falk of the High Court of Justice ruled that Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. had infringed the trademarks of a number of Swatch Group’s top watch brands, including Omega, Tissot, Swatch, Hamilton and Longines, via 30 downloadable “watch face” apps.
The apps were available in the Galaxy App Store, the store where Samsung users purchase and download apps for use on their smartphones and smartwatches, from October 2015 until the South Korea-based technology giant removed them in January 2019 at Swatch Group’s request.
Samsung appealed Falk’s ruling to the Court of Appeal, but on Friday, Lord Justice Richard Arnold, Lord Justice Kim Lewison, and Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing rejected that appeal.
The justices joined the lower court in dismissing Samsung’s argument that it was not liable for damages because it had not “used” the infringing watch faces, which were created by third-party developers, and had merely “hosted” the downloadable designs in its store.
The appeals court stated in its ruling, “Samsung’s acts of use of the disputed signs were active and gave it knowledge of and control over that content. They were not merely technical, automatic, and passive with no knowledge or control.”
An email sent Friday to Samsung seeking comment on the decision was not returned.
In a statement issued Friday announcing its victory in the case, Swatch Group co-Chief Legal Officer Mireille Koenig said: “Swatch Group is pleased with the judgment, which looked at a new form of trademark infringement in the digital age, and the liability of online providers such as Samsung’s Galaxy Store.
“The court reached the right result, protecting the exclusivity and value of our iconic watch brands.”
Swatch Group filed a parallel trademark infringement lawsuit against Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America Inc. in the United States in February 2019.
That case is ongoing.
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans ApprovedThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
