LVMH Sued Over Alleged Patent Infringement in NFT Smartwatch Technology
Mar 15
2 min read
A legal battle has erupted as Watch Skins Corporation, a company specializing in NFT smartwatch face designs, has filed a lawsuit against luxury conglomerate LVMH. The lawsuit, lodged in a Texas federal court, accuses LVMH of infringing on multiple patents related to NFT display technology used in its TAG Heuer smartwatches.
Key Takeaways
Watch Skins Corporation claims LVMH misappropriated its patented NFT display technology.
The lawsuit targets TAG Heuer smartwatches and other LVMH products.
Watch Skins seeks financial compensation and an injunction against LVMH.
Background of the Lawsuit
On March 10, 2025, Watch Skins Corporation filed a complaint alleging that LVMH unlawfully utilized its proprietary technology that allows verified NFT artworks to be displayed on smartwatches. The company asserts that it holds several patents covering the following aspects:
Verification of NFT Ownership: A system that ensures only verified NFTs can be displayed on a smartwatch.
Blockchain Authentication: A method requiring NFTs to be authenticated through a blockchain wallet before display.
Custom Watch Face Retrieval: A technology for retrieving and displaying custom watch faces based on NFT ownership.
The lawsuit claims that TAG Heuer, a brand under the LVMH umbrella, has encouraged customers to infringe on these patents by providing instructions on how to utilize its NFT display features. This includes connecting the smartwatch to a user’s crypto wallet to guarantee the authenticity of the displayed NFTs.
Implications for LVMH
LVMH, known for its extensive portfolio of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Tiffany, is facing significant legal challenges. The lawsuit not only threatens its reputation but could also impact its operations in the burgeoning NFT market. Watch Skins is seeking:
Financial Compensation: For lost profits and royalties due to the alleged infringement.
Injunction: A court order to prevent LVMH from further use of the patented technology.
The NFT Market Context
The lawsuit comes at a time when the NFT market is experiencing fluctuations. Despite a notable decline in trading volumes, the integration of NFTs into luxury goods has been a growing trend. Watch Skins first introduced its NFT-powered smartwatch face marketplace at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2020, aiming to provide consumers with officially licensed smartwatch faces from various brands.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how NFT technologies are utilized in the luxury goods sector. The case highlights the ongoing intersection of technology and fashion, raising questions about intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Watch Skins’ pursuit of justice underscores the importance of protecting innovations in the competitive world of NFTs and wearable technology.
Sources
LVMH Hit With Patent Suit Over NFT Smartwatch Display Tech, Law360.
Luxury fashion giant LVMH sued over NFT patent tech for watches, Cointelegraph.
Company Sues LVMH Over Alleged NFT Smartwatch Patent Infringement, Cryptodnes.bg.
NFT Company Sues Fashion Giant LVMH for Patent Infringement, Cryptonews.