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.