By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
Samsung Electronics, the world’s top LCD panel maker by revenue, said it has decided not to take legal action against Haier, a Chinese LCD manufacturer, for suspected imitation of Samsung’s popular “Bordeaux TV.”
After finding the design of the Chinese maker’s product strikingly similar to the Bordeaux, Samsung considered taking the issue to court but tentatively withdrew the plan, Samsung officials said.
“At least for now, we are not going take legal measures against Haier. It’s true that we considered suing the Chinese firm. But that is an old issue.” a Samsung spokesperson told The Korea Times Friday.
“In terms of details of the design, we saw marginal differences.” Speculation had been high that Haier may have copied the incursive design symbolizing a wine glass of Samsung’s “Bordeaux TV.”
The Chinese model, displayed at the recently finished IFA fair, was seen to have a great resemblance. Haier, however, denied the copycat allegation.
Another Samsung official said its decision also reflects its concerns that a legal battle with the largest Chinese electronics maker could result in conflict with the Chinese government.
Early this month, Samsung’s vice president said the company was reviewing the possibility of taking some measures against the Chinese company, as Haier LCD TV’s resemblance to Samsung’s LCD TV could damage its premium brand image in the European TV market.
Propelled by strong sales of 40-inch and larger LCD TVs in Europe, Samsung has recently revised its annual sales target of LCD TVs for this year to more than 12 million from 11 million.
In European markets alone, Samsung had sold 2.6 million TVs in the first half, up 1.2 million from a year ago, according to the company. Samsung’s global LCD TV market share for the first half of the year grew to 18 percent from 14.8 percent.