A Samsung Frame TV mounted on a hotel wall / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics
By Nam Hyun-woo
Samsung Electronics has successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against TCL Deutschland in a trademark infringement case in Germany, the Korean company said Wednesday.
The Dusseldorf Regional Court ruled on Feb. 26 that TCL's use of the Nxtframe branding for its televisions infringes on Samsung's trademark for The Frame, a TV designed to display artwork and photos when turned off.
The legal dispute began when Samsung filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against TCL's German subsidiary in November last year, two months after the Chinese company unveiled its Nxtframe televisions at IFA 2024 in September.
Samsung's The Frame television series, launched in 2017, has garnered significant popularity and acclaim across Europe for its innovative design. The case centers on this trademark, as TCL attempted to use the similarly sounding Nxtframe branding for its televisions. The court found that this could likely lead to consumer confusion.
As a result, the court has prohibited TCL from using the Nxtframe name in its marketing and sales of televisions within the European Union, including through third-party channels. This ruling effectively prevents TCL from offering or distributing televisions under that name.
TCL, however, has the right to appeal the court’s decision.
English (United States) ·