Harman’s JBL speakers designs protection: to be continued

If one asks for a list of companies that protect its rights abroad to the fullest, we would definitely recall Harman International Industries (hereinafter – Harman) producing electronic audio devices. This American company owned by Samsung Corporation is widely known for such brands as JBL and AKG. Over the last two years, Harman has been especially active in struggling against infringement of its intellectual property. For instance, Harman has filed more than a 1000 lawsuits with the Russian commercial courts. This overview contains key information about the latest legal proceedings initiated by Harman.

Remarkably, Harman keeps fighting not only for its trademark rights. In addition, this company is constantly monitoring the cases of illegal imitation or copying its industrial designs. Therefore, Harman approaches courts with various claims: to destroy the revealed counterfeit goods, to terminate the illegal use of patents, to pay compensation for trademark rights infringement, etc. The vast majority of these lawsuits were satisfied. Moreover, a substantial part of the cases was considered via simplified procedure without parties’ participation and series of hearings.

One more legal proceeding is about to be held. In October 2023 the Commercial Court of Moscow will start litigation between Harman and one of the leading consumer electronics retailers in Russia M.Video-Eldorado Group (hereinafter – M.Video) on the case no. А40-147100/2023. Harman accuses M.Video of violating its exclusive rights for design of portable wireless speakers and requests compensation. With no doubt, opposing such solid market participant as M.Video will be complicated and durable.

The current court cases demonstrate that many foreign companies don’t tend to weaken their grip over brands, patents and other incorporeal property in the Russian jurisdiction.