#South Korea #Seoul #Hurom #Kuvings #NUC

Hurom Triumphs in Korea Trade Commission Case Against NUC

In a significant legal achievement, Hurom, a renowned leader in the low-speed juicer sector and an innovator in health technology, has successfully proven the infringement of its patents by NUC, the manufacturer of Kuvings juicers. This ruling came after a thorough investigation by the Korea Trade Commission (KTC), which found NUC guilty of unfair business practices.

The investigation, initiated in December 2023, took a comprehensive look into Hurom’s claims against NUC, focusing on their methods of operation and sales. On December 19, 2024, the KTC officially ruled that NUC had indeed committed patent infringement. Following this finding, the Commission ordered NUC to halt its operations related to the AUTO10 juicer model, cease exports, and dispose of existing inventory. Furthermore, NUC was levied a fine of ₩152.5 million, equivalent to approximately $105,000.

This ruling is a result of a partnership between Hurom and the KTC, which began when Hurom filed a complaint regarding NUC's practices. The KTC's investigation concluded with a formal decision meted out on December 31, 2024, detailing the corrective actions NUC would need to take in light of their infringement. The outcome confirms Hurom's longstanding commitment to protecting its intellectual property and innovation in the juicing industry.

Moreover, this ruling reinforces previous actions taken in July 2023, in which Amazon's Patent Evaluation Express adjudicated a similar case, declaring NUC guilty of patent infringement and consequently suspending the sale of several of their juicing models in the U.S. market, including the REVO830W and EVO820GM.

Innovation has always been at the heart of Hurom’s mission, as the company has dedicated more than 50 years to developing advanced juicing technology. This dedication was exemplified in 2005 when Hurom created the world’s first vertical masticating juicer. Their commitment has not only positioned them as finalists but also as leaders in setting quality standards for juice extraction systems.

In addition to the current legal victories in South Korea, Hurom is also pursuing actions in Europe through the Unified Patent Court (UPC) against manufacturers and distributors perceived to be infringing upon their patents. This includes notable legal cases in Germany and France, reinforcing Hurom's position in the international market.

Through these endeavors, Hurom reasserts its stance on safeguarding its patented technologies and contributing to a fair competitive landscape in the juicing industry. As legal proceedings continue, Hurom remains vigilant and proactive, ensuring that their legacy of innovation is both protected and celebrated across global markets.

In conclusion, Hurom's victory over NUC not only underscores the importance of intellectual property rights in business but also highlights the critical nature of innovation in manufacturing high-quality kitchen appliances. As Hurom moves forward, the company is likely to maintain its strong stance against any infringement that threatens its market leadership and technological advancements in juice extraction.