UK Judge Weighs $170 Million Swatch Damages Against Samsung Over 26 Watch-Face Apps
Updated
Updated · Android Police · Jun 29
UK Judge Weighs $170 Million Swatch Damages Against Samsung Over 26 Watch-Face Apps
3 articles · Updated · Android Police · Jun 29
Summary
A UK court is now deciding damages after Swatch won liability findings against Samsung over 26 Galaxy Store watch-face apps that copied its dial designs.
Swatch is seeking $170 million, while Samsung calls that figure absurd, saying the apps generated about $1,000 in revenue and only $300 in commission for Samsung.
The seven-year dispute stems from third-party apps downloaded at least 160,000 times before Samsung removed them; Swatch said they copied details including subdial placement and logos.
A ruling after the June 26 trial could sharpen pressure on Samsung and other app-store operators to police trademarked digital designs more aggressively.
The timing matters for Samsung because a July launch is widely expected for the Galaxy Watch 9, putting fresh attention on its in-house watch-face strategy.