Coway "Similar Exterior and Key Technical Features"
Kyowon Wells "Secured Design Rights from the Patent Office"
Conflicts over design patents are intensifying in the domestic water purifier market.
On the 23rd, Coway announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Kyowon Wells seeking a ban on the sale of the Ice One ice water purifier and claiming damages. The main points of the lawsuit include 'prohibition of design rights infringement,' 'prohibition of unfair competition,' and 'prohibition of patent infringement.' Along with this, Coway sent warning letters to Cuckoo Homesys and Cheongho Nice.
In June 2022, Coway introduced the 'Icon Ice Water Purifier,' which significantly reduced the product size and emphasized an angular shape. The design rights for this product were registered last February after examination by the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
Kyowon Wells' Ice One ice water purifier was launched in April. Coway judged that the appearance and key technical features of the Ice One water purifier were similar to those of the Icon Ice Water Purifier and sent a 'cease infringement demand certificate' to Kyowon Wells in June. However, Kyowon Wells responded that they do not acknowledge the infringement. The parts Coway raised issues with include the 'form of two angular rectangular cuboids joined at the top and bottom,' 'lengths of each edge,' 'front button and display arrangement,' and 'front finish with a satin glass feel.'
In response, Kyowon Wells expressed regret over Coway's lawsuit seeking a sales ban and damages. This is because the design of the Ice One ice water purifier was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office in September 2023, and after examination, the final registration was completed on the 12th of last month, securing design rights.
A representative of Kyowon Wells explained, “The design rights from the Korean Intellectual Property Office are rights to register and exclusively use a design under the Design Protection Act. Since all requirements such as novelty, creativity, industrial applicability, and usability must be met, this has become an opportunity to externally demonstrate Kyowon Wells' design capabilities once again.”
As a design feature of the Ice One ice water purifier, they pointed to the '3-degree inclined display.' By tilting the display 3 degrees to match the user's line of sight, it enhances visual comfort and design distinctiveness. Additionally, they claim to have implemented an original design by separating the control panel and water outlet on the front using horizontal lines and applying a detachable cover made of translucent material to the lower water outlet.
Kyowon Wells also plans to protect its intellectual property rights. A Kyowon Wells official stated, “We plan to actively respond to protect intellectual property rights, which are the results of our employees' efforts and dedication.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
