Trademark Dispute Between Swatch Group and Samsung Electronics
Swatch 集團與三星電子的商標爭議
Introduction
The Swatch Group is asking for $170 million in damages from Samsung after a UK court decided that the electronics company infringed on its trademarks.
在英國法院裁定三星侵犯其商標後，Swatch 集團要求三星賠償 1.7 億美元。
Main Body
The legal case began in 2019, before the UK officially left the European Union. In 2022, the High Court in London ruled that Samsung was responsible for allowing third-party apps on its smartwatches. These apps allowed users to create digital copies of luxury watches from Swatch-owned brands, such as Omega and Tissot. This infringement happened across the European Union, and the final decision on payment could lead to further legal action against Samsung in the United States.
這起法律案件始於 2019 年，當時英國尚未正式脫離歐盟。2022 年，倫敦高等法院裁定三星應對其智慧手錶允許第三方應用程式負責。這些應用程式允許用戶創建 Swatch 旗下品牌（如 Omega 和 Tissot）豪華手錶的數位副本。這種侵權行為發生在整個歐盟範圍內，而關於付款的最終決定可能會導致三星在美國面臨進一步的法律行動。
Regarding the amount of money, Swatch's lawyers emphasized that the $170 million figure is based on what the licensing fees would have been for ten different brands. They argue this amount reflects the high prestige and market value of their products. However, Samsung has responded by claiming that these financial demands are excessive and unrealistic.
關於金額部分，Swatch 的律師強調 1.7 億美元的數字是基於十個不同品牌的授權費計算。他們認為此金額反映了其產品的高聲望與市場價值。然而，三星回應稱這些財務要求過高且不切實際。
From a business perspective, the Swatch Group avoids mass-producing its luxury designs to keep them exclusive and expensive. Tissot CEO Sylvain Dolla stated that putting Swatch designs into smartwatches—which he considers basic consumer products—would damage the value and exclusivity of traditional Swiss watchmaking. Consequently, while the group provides some digital features through SwatchPAY!, it has refused to enter the full smartwatch market despite offers from tech companies.
從商業角度來看，Swatch 集團避免量產其豪華設計，以保持產品的稀有度與昂貴價格。Tissot 執行長 Sylvain Dolla 表示，將 Swatch 的設計放入智慧手錶（他認為是基本消費產品）將損害傳統瑞士鐘錶製造的價值與獨特性。因此，儘管集團透過 SwatchPAY! 提供部分數位功能，但面對科技公司的邀約，它依然拒絕進入完整的智慧手錶市場。
Conclusion
The High Court is expected to announce the final amount of damages very soon.
預計高等法院將很快公布最終的賠償金額。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'B2 Bridge': Moving from Basic to Precise
At an A2 level, you probably say "Samsung did something bad with the brands" or "The money is too much." To reach B2, you need precise vocabulary for conflict and value.
🗝️ The Power Shift: Words that Change the Game
Instead of using simple verbs like do, get, or say, notice how this text uses High-Impact Verbs. These are the keys to professional English:
- Infringed (Instead of 'stole') Breaking a legal rule or a patent.
- Emphasized (Instead of 'said strongly') To give special importance to a point.
- Refused (Instead of 'said no') To firmly decline an offer.
🏗️ Structural Upgrade: Cause and Effect
B2 speakers don't just list facts; they connect them logically. Look at this transition from the text:
"...would damage the value... Consequently, while the group provides..."
The Logic:
A2 Level: "It is bad for the brand. So, they don't make smartwatches."
B2 Level: "It would damage the brand; consequently, they refuse to enter the market."
💎 Nuance Corner: 'Excessive' vs. 'Too Much'
When Samsung describes the $170 million as "excessive," they aren't just saying it's a lot of money. They are arguing that the amount is unreasonable or goes beyond what is fair.
Try this mental shift:
- ❌ "This price is too high." (Basic/Opinion)
- ✅ "This demand is excessive." (B2/Professional Argument)
🚀 Quick-Reference Table for your Upgrade
| A2 Simple Word | B2 Precision Word | Context in Article |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Digital copies / Infringement | Illegal use of designs |
| Special | Exclusive / Prestige | High-end luxury value |
| Big | Mass-producing | Making things in huge numbers |