Hurom Triumphs Over NUC in Landmark Patent Infringement Case

Hurom, recognized as the leader in low-speed masticating juicers, has recently secured a significant legal victory against rival manufacturer NUC, known for its Kuvings juicer line. This case, investigated by the Korea Trade Commission (KTC), revolved around claims of patent infringement that were successfully proven by Hurom. The Commission's ruling, finalized on December 19, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle over innovation and market practices in the juicing industry.

Background of the Case

The legal proceedings began in December 2023 when Hurom lodged a formal complaint with the KTC, accusing NUC of unfair trade practices related to their AUTO10 juicer model. Following a thorough inquiry initiated in January 2024, the KTC diligently examined the claims before reaching its conclusion. On December 31, the Commission formalized its finding, confirming that NUC had indeed violated Hurom's patent rights.

KTC's Ruling and Implications

Following the ruling, the KTC took significant measures against NUC. The company is mandated to cease all activities surrounding the production and export of the infringing AUTO10 model. Additionally, NUC must disclose its patent infringement publicly and pay a fine of ₩152.5 million (approximately $105,000 USD). Furthermore, the ruling directs NUC to dispose of any existing inventory related to this model, which could have substantial financial implications for the company.

This regulatory action not only reinforces Hurom’s patent rights but also enhances its reputation as a guardian of innovation in juicing technology. Interestingly, this ruling complements a prior decision made in July 2023 by Amazon's Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) process, which also found NUC guilty of patent violations. This earlier decision had already resulted in the suspension of sales for five key NUC juicer models in the United States.

Hurom's Legacy and Future Plans

Founded in 1974, Hurom has spent over half a century refining juicing technology, breaking ground with the world's first vertical masticating juicer in 2005. As the industry leader, Hurom continues to set benchmarks for performance and health innovation. Beyond the recent victory in South Korea, the company is actively pursuing additional legal recourse against patent infringements in Europe through the Unified Patent Court (UPC), targeting manufacturers and distributors that continue to infringe upon its intellectual properties.

This strategic focus highlights Hurom's commitment to protecting its business interests and technological advancements, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the juicing market. The UPC cases against multiple parties in Germany and France exemplify its aggressive stance in safeguarding its patents internationally.

Conclusion

As the juicing industry evolves, Hurom's recent legal success not only affirms its patent rights but also underscores the importance of ethical practices in manufacturing and marketing innovations. With ongoing litigation in Europe and significant regulatory support at home, Hurom is well-positioned to reinforce its market dominance, advocate for fair trade practices, and inspire other companies in the sector to prioritize innovation over infringement. The implications of this case will likely resonate within the industry, prompting other manufacturers to take heed of intellectual property laws as they develop new products in a competitive landscape.