Coway Takes Strong Action Against Intellectual Property Infringement of Ice Water Purifiers

Lawsuit for Prohibition of Sales and Claim for Damages Against Iceone Ice Water Purifier

Coway announced on the 23rd that it has filed a lawsuit seeking sales prohibition and damages against Kyowon Wells Ice One ice water purifier, and has also sent warning letters to Cuckoo Homesys and Cheongho Nice.

In June 2022, Coway launched the ‘Icon Ice Water Purifier,’ which was designed to fit well in any kitchen by significantly reducing the product size and emphasizing a square shape. The design rights for this product were registered in February of the following year.

Coway judged that Kyowon Wells’ Ice One ice water purifier, released in April this year, is similar in appearance and key technical features to the Icon Ice Water Purifier, and sent a ‘cease and desist demand letter’ to Kyowon Wells in June. Kyowon Wells responded by stating that they do not acknowledge the infringement. In response, Coway filed a lawsuit against Kyowon Wells at the end of August seeking sales prohibition and damages. The main points of the lawsuit are ▲prohibition of design rights infringement ▲prohibition of unfair competition acts ▲prohibition of patent rights infringement.

Coway has recently been actively protecting its intellectual property rights against other companies as well. In March, it sent a warning letter regarding design and patent rights infringement to Cheongho Nice’s ‘Lovely Tree,’ in August to Cuckoo Homesys’ ‘Zero100 Slim Ice Water Purifier,’ and in September to Cheongho Nice’s ‘Ice Tree.’

Lee Joon-seok, head of Coway’s IP team, said, “Protecting intellectual property rights, which are the results of our employees’ efforts, is essential not only for the survival of the company but also for the healthy development of the entire industry sector. Therefore, we will continue to respond firmly to any infringement of intellectual property rights.”