Swiss watchmaker Swatch is pursuing $170 million in damages from Samsung, claiming the South Korean tech giant permitted third-party apps on its smartwatches that allowed users to create digital replicas of Swatch timepieces, according to a Financial Times report published Friday citing court documents.
London’s High Court ruled back in 2022 that Samsung was liable for trademark infringement after finding that apps available on Samsung smartwatches let users mimic popular watch designs from brands under the Swatch umbrella, including luxury names Omega and Tissot. A British judge is now expected to issue a ruling on the damages amount in the near future.
The legal dispute dates back to 2019, before the United Kingdom formally departed from the European Union, and the case also covers alleged infringement within the EU. The Financial Times also reported that the forthcoming damages decision is expected to pave the way for a separate Swatch legal claim against a Samsung subsidiary in the U.S.
In written statements submitted to the High Court as part of the damages proceedings, Swatch accused Samsung of conducting a “large-scale appropriation” of “valuable and carefully protected” trademarks. Samsung, for its part, pushed back, describing Swatch’s financial demands as “extravagant” and disproportionate.
A Swatch spokesperson declined to comment on the active legal proceedings, while Samsung had not responded to a request for comment at the time of the report.
The broader Swiss watchmaking industry has been feeling increasing pressure from the booming smartwatch market, with major technology companies including Samsung, Apple, and Huawei leading that segment. Swatch itself offers connected timepieces such as the SwatchPAY! but has not yet entered the smartwatch market. The company’s product lineup spans a wide range, from budget-friendly plastic watches to high-end luxury models that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
