Hurom Achieves Landmark Win in Patent Infringement Case Against Kuvings in Europe

In a significant legal triumph for Hurom, the pioneering company in slow juicing technology, the European Unified Patent Court has ruled in favor of Hurom against NUC, the manufacturer of Kuvings juicers. This landmark decision not only reinforces Hurom's position in the market but also sets a precedent for future cases involving patent infringement in the kitchen appliance sector.

On March 11, 2025, the court's regional division located in Mannheim, Germany, declared that NUC, along with its Korean headquarters, European subsidiary, and distributor Warmcook, had violated Hurom's European patent (EP2028981). As a result of this ruling, NUC faces an outright ban on the sale of its juicers across Europe. Any violations of this ruling will incur a hefty fine of €2,000 for each infringed unit sold, making the stakes high for NUC amid their ongoing operations in the European market.

Implications of the Ruling

The implications of the ruling are extensive. In addition to the sales ban, the court has commanded NUC to compensate Hurom for damages incurred during the patent violation, and cover all litigation expenses. Furthermore, NUC has been instructed to recall and destroy all infringing products that have already reached the market. This includes their popular Kuvings AUTO10 juicer, which has been identified as a direct violation of Hurom's patented design.

This ruling represents a continuation of Hurom's legal victories, having previously secured favorable outcomes in South Korea and the United States against NUC. In December 2024, the Korea Trade Commission ruled that NUC had committed similar infringements, issuing a corrective order and imposing financial penalties. Similarly, the U.S. market also witnessed the effects of these rulings when the Amazon Patent Evaluation Express confirmed NUC’s patent infringement, resulting in the suspension of several key Kuvings juicer models.

A Statement from Hurom's Leadership

In response to this latest legal victory, Hurom's CEO Jaewon Kim expressed the company’s satisfaction, stating, "This ruling is a strong affirmation of Hurom's technological leadership on the global stage. We will continue to take firm action against reckless patent infringement and low-cost knockoffs that compromise our mission of promoting health through fruit and vegetable consumption.”

Looking Ahead

With this recent court decision, Hurom is not only able to protect its innovative technology but also exemplifies the importance of upholding intellectual property rights in the competitive market of consumer appliances. As the company prepares to enforce the court's ruling, it signals to other players in the industry that patent infringement will not be tolerated, and innovation will be safeguarded fiercely. As law and policy evolve in response to such cases, this ruling marks a turning point in the ongoing battle for maintaining originality and integrity in product design.

Conclusion

Moving forward, the focus will be on how NUC responds to this ruling and the potential impact it may have on their business strategy in Europe. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of innovation and adherence to intellectual property laws in a fast-paced industry where the next big thing often hinges on an original idea. With Hurom leading the charge, the future of slow juicing technology remains firmly in the hands of those who champion creativity and authenticity.