Samsung has changed the branding for its smartwatches recently. “Gear” was the branding previously used for these devices. The Galaxy Watch is what Samsung's calling its latest model. Samsung did this to bring the product under the Galaxy umbrella which has largely been associated with its smartphones. It will likely stick to this moniker going forward.
Japanese watchmaker Orient is now seeking an injunction against Samsung. Orient says that it trademarked the “Galaxy” monikers for watches in 1984.
Galaxy smartwatch claimed to infringe on trademark
The company has reportedly filed for an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court. It says Samsung has violated the trademark law and the unfair competition prevention law.
Orient does indeed have a trademark for Galaxy related to watches. It was awarded to the company in 1984. Orient has made several Galaxy-branded watches since then. There is a fundamental difference here, though. The local patent system categorizes Samsung's Galaxy smartwatch as an electronic device. Orient's Galaxy watches are classified as jewelry.
“We have registered Galaxy and Galaxy Gold trademarks since 1984. Samsung Electronics' advertisement of Galaxy Watch as a watch is a violation of the unfair competition prevention law and the trademark law,” said an Orient official.
He added that it will now be difficult for Orient to develop and release a smartwatch that utilizes its Galaxy brand. It is thus seeking a sales ban on the Galaxy Watch. Samsung says that it hasn't received any information about the injunction filing as yet. The company will reveal its position on the matter once it has all of the information.
