Dyson sues Samsung for patent infringement
UK-based vacuum manufacturer Dyson is suing electronics company Samsung for allegedly infringing one of its patents.
Founded by Sir James Dyson, the company, which is famed for its range of vacuum designs, is claiming that South-Korean based Samsung has infringed a patent relating to steering technology.
It has taken the case to the England & Wales High Court in London.
Dyson claims in a statement that Samsung’s new Motion Sync vacuum has “ripped off” a patent for “A cleaning appliance with a steering mechanism”.
"This looks like a cynical rip off by the giant Korean company Samsung. Although they are copying Dyson's patented technology, their machine is not the same,” said Mr Dyson, founder of the company.
“Samsung has many patent lawyers so I find it hard not to believe that this is a deliberate or utterly reckless infringement of our patent.
“We have been forced to issue proceedings in the English High Court, but I would much rather invest in research to develop new technology than have to sue," Dyson added.
Samsung’s product was launched at the IFA electronics fair in Berlin, Germany, a technology show which gives companies the chance to reveal their latest inventions.
Dyson’s patent, which it filed three years ago, describes a way to allow a vacuum to spin quickly from one direction to another and to prevent it getting snagged on corners.
According to Samsung’s website, its Motion Sync product “enables exceptionally smooth and easy movement”.
In a statement, Samsung claimed the design was an outcome of its own “extensive research and development”.
“We will take all necessary measures, including legal action, to protect our technological innovation against Dyson’s groundless claims,” it said.
According to Gwilym Roberts, partner at Kilburn & Strode LLP in London, the case between two “tough and seasoned litigators” would go all the way.
“The patent system is there to help innovators. You would have to look in more detail at the claims of the patent but the claims would require other companies to design around it so as not to infringe,” Roberts told WIPR.
“Dyson is obviously of the opinion that Samsung could not have designed this without infringing on those claims.
“It is interesting what Mr Dyson says about Samsung’s resources and it obviously does have a major IP department; it may be that Samsung has done a review of the claims of the patent and believes it is not valid.”
Dyson launched proceedings at the end of August and Roberts noted the “interesting” choice of venue.
“The UK courts have a reputation as being a fast and fair forum for IP cases. The alleged infringement was initially spotted in Germany so there were other options open for the court proceedings. It’s interesting to see the UK is a forum of choice.”
