Samsung Wins Case Against TCL, Ordered to Halt QLED TV Promotion

Two technology companies, Samsung and TCL, have been involved in a dispute regarding QLED TVs. The drama began when Samsung filed a lawsuit in a German court in April 2025. In the lawsuit, Samsung alleged that TCL Germany created misleading advertisements by marketing several TVs as QLED models, when their implementation did not genuinely improve colour reproduction as true QLED technology should.

The court determined that the quantum dot structure in the TCL TVs in question did not enhance colour performance. Typically, QLED TVs use quantum dot technology to improve brightness and colour reproduction. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) also assessed that QLED screens place a quantum dot film layer between blue-coloured backlighting and the display panel to enhance colour quality.

Finding the implementation inadequate, the court ruled that TCL’s advertising violated Germany’s Unfair Competition Act. One of the models cited in this case is the TCL QLED870 series. With this ruling, TCL has been ordered to stop selling and promoting the TV as a QLED model in Germany. However, this ruling is not final, as TCL still has the right to appeal.

This is not the first case between Samsung and TCL. Following similar court decisions, the company from China has been ordered to discontinue using the name in Europe. Beyond Germany, the two companies are also involved in a similar case in the United States. The German court decision could potentially influence the outcome of the American case.