Hurom Achieves Landmark Patent Victory Against Kuvings at European Patent Court

Hurom's Legal Victory Over Kuvings

In a landmark ruling on March 11, 2025, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Mannheim, Germany, declared that Kuvings, a brand of NUC, infringed on Hurom's European patent (EP2028981). This decision marks a significant achievement for Hurom, the world's pioneer in slow juicing technology, as it prohibits Kuvings from selling its juice extractors in Europe.

The UPC ruling not only bars the sale of Kuvings juice extractors but also imposes stringent penalties for any violations. A fine of €2,000 will be charged for every unit sold that infringes on Hurom's patent. Moreover, the court ruled that Kuvings must compensate Hurom for the damages incurred, cover all legal expenses, and recall and destroy all products that were distributed in violation of the patent.

One key product involved in this case is the Kuvings AUTO10 juicer, which was found to infringe Hurom's patented technology. This ruling is a continuation of Hurom's legal victories, having previously affirmed its patent rights in both South Korea and the United States. A ruling from December 2024 by the Korean Fair Trade Commission also confirmed that NUC had engaged in patent infringement and unfair business practices, leading to corrective orders and significant penalties.

In July 2024, the Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) process further validated Hurom's claims, resulting in the removal of several crucial Kuvings juice extractors from the US market due to patent violation.

Hurom’s CEO, Jaewon Kim, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the reaffirmation of Hurom's technological leadership on a global scale. He stated, "This ruling strongly reaffirms Hurom's technological leadership on the international stage. We will continue to vigorously oppose thoughtless patent infringements and substandard imitations that undermine our mission of promoting health through the consumption of fruits and vegetables."

This successful legal battle showcases Hurom's ongoing commitment to protecting its innovative technologies and reinforces its position as the leading manufacturer of vertical juicing technology. The implications of this ruling are significant not only for Hurom but also for the industry at large, underscoring the importance of patent rights and innovation in a competitive market. This victory could potentially deter other companies from infringing on patent rights, fostering a more respectful and ethical business environment within the industry.

With this court ruling, NUC faces not only financial consequences but also a significant setback in its operational capabilities within the European market. Companies that prioritize innovation and respect for intellectual property rights may now see the legal environment as more supportive, reducing the risk of unfair competition. As requested, all infringing products are to be recalled and destroyed, a process that ensures that customers receive genuine, high-quality products without the risk of infringement.

As this legal saga progresses, stakeholders in the juicing industry will be closely monitoring the situation to assess its impact on future operations and patent enforcement worldwide. Hurom's success in this legal matter may serve as a precedent for other patent-related disputes, emphasizing the necessity for companies to innovate responsibly and respect existing intellectual property.

In conclusion, Hurom's victory not only serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual property rights but also highlights the company's dedication to maintaining its innovative edge in the market. As the industry continues to evolve, the implications of this ruling will reverberate across the juicing landscape and beyond.