Hurom Takes Strong Action Against Patent Infringement on U.S. Amazon Marketplace
Hurom Enforces Patent Rights Against NUC(Kuvings)
In a decisive move, Hurom, a renowned leader in juicing technology, has successfully enforced its patented low-speed extraction technology against NUC(Kuvings) in the U.S. marketplace on Amazon. This legal victory culminated in a sales ban on several popular juicer models produced by NUC(Kuvings), marking a significant step in Hurom’s ongoing battle against patent infringement.
Founded in 1974, Hurom has spent over five decades innovating in juicing technology. The company was a trailblazer in the industry, introducing the world’s first vertical screw juicer back in 2005. Their commitment to health and wellbeing through advanced juicing solutions is reflected in their adherence to high standards of product integrity.
In recent years, Hurom has noticed a troubling trend: increased instances of unauthorized use of its patented technology across global markets, particularly in regions such as China, the United States, and Europe. To safeguard its intellectual property, Hurom announced a comprehensive patent enforcement strategy earlier this year. This strategy is essential for the company's mission of promoting a healthier lifestyle through innovative technology.
The recent infringement case was successfully resolved through Amazon’s APEX process, an initiative designed to assess suspected patent violations. After a thorough review by independent evaluators, Amazon determined that five of NUC(Kuvings)'s key juicer models—including the REVO830W, EVO820GM, C7000S, C7000W, and C7000P—violated Hurom's patents. This led to a sales ban that came into effect on July 11, 2024, impacting a multitude of vendors, including Kuvings USA and GlobalEcom.
Amazon’s APEX process starts with a report of suspected patent infringement, followed by an objective evaluation. If a product is found guilty of infringing on patent rights, it is promptly removed from the marketplace. Following this successful action, Hurom's vigilant intellectual property team has taken further measures by initiating additional legal proceedings through the European Unified Patent Court (UPC) against other infringing manufacturers and distributors.
Moreover, the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) has begun an investigation into NUC(Kuvings) for alleged unfair trade practices stemming from this patent infringement. These steps highlight Hurom's strong commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable market.
Jaewon Kim, CEO of Hurom, voiced the company’s stance on unauthorized use of its technology, stating, “We can no longer overlook the unauthorized use of Hurom's patented technology. Through decisive action, we will protect the healthy and fair ecosystem that both Hurom and our customers value.” He emphasized that while they are taking a strong stand, Hurom is still willing to collaborate with legitimate users of their technology, aligning with their broader mission of promoting wellness.
As Hurom continues its proactive patent enforcement and legal actions, it aims to foster a healthier ecosystem for both consumers and businesses alike, reaffirming its role as a formidable force in the juicing industry. The company's actions serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of intellectual property rights in today's competitive landscape, where innovation is frequently challenged by unfair practices.