Startup Prinker Slams LG for ‘Tattoo Printer’ Design Theft
Prinker Claims LG Pulled a Fast One
Prinker has accused LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H) of stealing its tattoo printer design. The startup says LG filed a design patent for a “tattoo printer” in September 2020 — despite signing a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Prinker back in June 2019.
Prinker insists LG’s new device, called IMPRINTU, looks and works nearly identically to Prinker’s own gadget, the Prinker M. What’s more, LG actually bought Prinker’s products before launching their rival printer.
LG Claims ‘Routine Market Assessment’
While LG H&H admits purchasing Prinker products, they claim it was just a routine market check before entering the trendy temporary tattoo sector. LG flatly denies copying the startup’s tech or design.
The South Korean giant also fired back by saying the idea of a tattoo printer isn’t new. They pointed to Hewlett-Packard, who allegedly patented a similar technology way back in 1999.
“Since the early stages of IMPRINTU’s development, LG H&H has carefully avoided existing patents. We are proud market runners-up and have collaborated with big names like LG Electronics and HP since 2019,” LG stated.
Prinker Hits Back With Legal Threats
Prinker fired back hard in a public statement, branding LG as a “large conglomerate copying the concept, technology, and idea created by a smaller startup.” The company’s portable tattoo printer, which prints on skin with a variety of designs, is sold in 80 countries, including the US and Germany.
Adding fire to the flames, French beauty giant L’Oréal recently invested in Prinker, signalling faith in the startup’s cutting-edge product — though the investment sum remains secret.
Prinker has lodged a formal complaint with South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups and plans to sue LG for violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.
Another IP Theft Saga in Korean Tech
If proven true, this row adds to a growing list of lawsuits between nimble startups and big conglomerates in South Korea. Last month, Korean startup Algocare accused retail titan Lotte of stealing its AI-powered nutrient dispenser tech after several meetings under the guise of partnership talks.
With fierce battles brewing over intellectual property rights, South Korea’s startup scene is bracing for more turf wars.
