Dyson sues Samsung for patent infringement

Press release

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Dyson sues Samsung for patent infringement

Dyson has issued proceedings against Samsung Electronics in the English High Court as it believes the Samsung Motion Sync vacuum cleaner infringes its patent for an invention entitled “A cleaning appliance with a steering mechanism”. Samsung Electronics is a subsidiary of the Korean conglomerate Samsung Group.

James Dyson said: "This looks like a cynical rip off by the giant Korean company Samsung. Although they are copying Dyson's patented technology, their machine is not the same. Samsung has many patent lawyers so I find it hard not to believe that this is a deliberate or utterly reckless infringement of our patent. We have been forced to issue proceedings in the English High Court, but I would much rather invest in research to develop new technology than have to sue".

Patented Dyson technology

Engineered to follow faithfully, DC37 and DC39 were the result of three years research and development and are the world’s first cylinder vacuums with Ball™ technology and Dyson’s patented steering system. Dyson believes Samsung has copied this steering mechanism.

DC37 and DC39 are equipped with Dyson’s Radial Radix Cyclone™ technology, meaning they capture more microscopic dust than any other cyclone. This technology is patented and unique to Dyson machines.

Samsung is no stranger to patent infringement. Its tablets and smartphones have been involved in a number of high profile litigation cases worldwide. The Samsung versus Apple lawsuits have typically focussed on design rights. The Dyson case focuses on patents – the central steering invention that forms a fundamental part of Dyson technology, not just how the machine looks.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors.

• Dyson cylinder vacuum cleaners couple a patented central steering system with Ball™ technology to give stable manoeuvring around tight turns, table legs and sofas. Over 110 components are housed within the ball.

• Dyson vacuum cleaners are sold in over 60 countries. Dyson employs over 1,500 engineers worldwide including 850 engineers at its research and development headquarters in Malmesbury. It plans to take on 650 engineers worldwide in 2013.

• In the UK, one in three households owns a Dyson vacuum cleaner. James continues to work alongside his team of engineers and scientists, developing new technologies to overcome everyday frustrations.

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