Hurom Achieves Major Legal Victory Against Competitor NUC over Patent Infringement Claims

Hurom's Landmark Victory in Patent Dispute

In a significant development for the juicing industry, Hurom, a renowned innovator in low-speed masticating juicers, has emerged victorious in its patent infringement case against NUC, the manufacturer of Kuvings juicers. The Korea Trade Commission (KTC) found that NUC had violated Hurom's patents, leading to strict penalties and operational restrictions for NUC.

Background of the Case

The KTC's investigation began in December 2023 after Hurom filed a formal complaint, alleging that NUC engaged in unfair business practices by infringing on Hurom's patents. This investigation culminated in a ruling delivered on December 19, 2024, where the KTC concluded that NUC had indeed committed patent infringement, which constituted a violation of fair trade practices.

Key Findings and Consequences

The ruling mandated NUC to halt the production and export of its AUTO10 juicer model. Additionally, NUC was required to dispose of existing inventory and disclose the details of its infringement publicly. The company has been fined 152.5 million Korean Won (approximately $105,000 USD) as part of the KTC's corrective measures. This financial penalty underscores the severity of NUC's actions and the KTC's commitment to enforcing patent rights.

Previous Rulings and Their Implications

This ruling by the KTC builds upon an earlier decision by Amazon's Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) in July 2023, which also found NUC guilty of patent infringement. Consequently, NUC's sales of five key juicer models in the U.S. were suspended, marking a substantial loss for the company.

These legal decisions further bolster Hurom's market position as the company continues to lead with innovative products designed for health-conscious consumers, setting high standards in juicing technology since the release of the world's first vertical juicer in 2005.

Hurom's Commitment to Innovation and Fair Play

Founded in 1974, Hurom has established itself as a pioneer in the health and wellness sector, dedicating over five decades to advancing juicing technology. By upholding its patents through legal avenues, including ongoing cases with the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Europe, Hurom is determined to protect its intellectual property rights vigorously.

The ongoing litigation in Europe highlights Hurom's proactive approach to defending its innovations against any infringement from competitors. The company's legal endeavors in Germany and France illustrate a broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge and foster an environment of fair competition in the market.

Conclusion

This recent legal victory not only reaffirms Hurom’s commitment to safeguarding its innovations but also sends a strong message to the industry about the importance of respecting intellectual property. As Hurom continues to innovate and lead in the juicing market, it remains focused on delivering high-quality products while ensuring that its technological advancements are protected from unfair practices. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder for all players in the industry to adhere to patent laws and engage in fair business practices.