Observed Signal · Jun 26, 2026 · Lawsuit · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Swatch Seeks $170M from Samsung Over Watch Faces
The Swatch Group has demanded $170 million in damages from Samsung in a London trademark lawsuit concerning 26 digital smartwatch watch faces that Swatch says resembled its brands. Swatch alleges the watch-face apps were downloaded about 160,000 times in the UK and EU and constituted cheap copies of its exclusive watch designs. Samsung’s lawyers call the damages demand exaggerated and say Swatch suffered no loss. The High Court in London previously found in 2022 that certain Galaxy App Store watch-face apps infringed Swatch brands; the Court of Appeal upheld that decision in late 2023. The court is now determining the amount of damages; related U.S. cases await the UK outcome.
A major trademark litigation between a large watchmaker and a major platform operator can affect app-store content moderation and liability for third-party apps, but it is primarily a brand/IP legal matter rather than an industry-wide platform policy change.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The Swatch Group is seeking $170 million in damages from Samsung for alleged trademark violations.
- The dispute concerns 26 digital watch-face apps for smartwatches that Swatch says resembled its brands.
- Swatch says the apps were downloaded roughly 160,000 times in the UK and EU and offered 'cheap copies' of its models.
- The High Court in London ruled in 2022 that some Galaxy App Store watch-face apps infringed Swatch brands; the Court of Appeal affirmed that decision in late 2023.
- Samsung’s lawyers describe the damages claim as 'exaggerated' and 'not reflective of reality'; U.S. lawsuits are also pending and awaiting the UK decision.
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Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15M Over Photo Use
British singer Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit in California seeking $15 million in damages from Samsung, alleging the South Korean electronics company used a copyrighted backstage photo of her (titled "Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024") on television packaging without permission or payment. The complaint, first published by Variety, accuses Samsung of creating the false impression that Lipa endorsed the product and cites copyright, trademark and right-of-publicity claims, saying the unauthorized use harmed her brand identity. According to the filing, Lipa previously asked Samsung to remove the image last year but the company continued to use it. Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment from dpa. The suit demands monetary damages and that Samsung cease using the photo.
Swatch Growth Fueled by Clever Marketing
Swatch Group returned to growth in H1 2026 after two declining years, with group revenue rising 2.0% to CHF 3.12 billion (adjusted +8.5%). Growth was led by Omega — roughly one third of group sales — whose own‑retail sales climbed about 20% at constant exchange rates, with own retail now representing over 40% of Omega sales. Momentum was supported by a 27% surge in the US and a 9% retail recovery in China. Despite higher sales, operating profit fell to CHF 52 million and net profit to CHF 16 million. Swatch-brand marketing, including the AP x Swatch 'Royal Pop' collaboration (launched 16 May), limited Moonswatch releases and playful stunts, generated strong global demand and media attention and helped offset weaker profitability.
Apple sued over App Store crypto wallet scam
Three U.S. plaintiffs have sued Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California after allegedly losing about $1.8 million to a fraudulent crypto-wallet app that appeared in the App Store. The complaint says the fake apps impersonated Sparrow Wallet — which is not offered for smartphones — and alleges Apple misled consumers by marketing the App Store as secure, as well as violating consumer protection laws in California, Louisiana and Massachusetts. Plaintiffs seek to recover losses, other damages and an order forcing Apple to warn users about App Store risks. Sparrow Wallet developer Craig Raw previously alerted Apple to fake versions. Apple said impersonating apps violate its guidelines, that it will remove impersonators and terminate associated developer accounts, and it noted broader efforts to reject copied, spam and misleading app submissions.
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