TCL sues Samsung for false advertising over ‘Mini LED’ televisions

Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL has initiated legal proceedings against South Korea's Samsung, alleging that the latter falsely advertised certain televisions as utilizing "Mini LED" technology. The lawsuit, submitted to a federal court in Los Angeles on Monday, contends that Samsung misrepresented its M Model televisions as possessing the advanced "Mini LED" technology, which is purported to enhance picture quality.

According to TCL, Samsung sourced a subpar, previously utilized model from a recycled product line and misrepresented it to consumers as a superior Mini LED model, offering it at a competitive price point.

In response to the lawsuit, Samsung stated that it is prepared to vigorously defend itself against the allegations and affirmed its commitment to the accuracy and quality of its product descriptions. Samsung's legal team emphasized that the company's false advertising misled consumers who were seeking the superior picture quality typically associated with Mini LED televisions, resulting in an unfair advantage for Samsung and causing detriment to TCL's sales, reputation, and proprietary technology.

TCL's attorney, R.C. Harlan, emphasized that the Mini LED technology integrated into TCL's televisions offers "substantially better picture quality with enhanced dynamic range and superior contrast ratios." TCL also highlighted that it surpassed Samsung in Mini LED television sales within the United States between 2023 and 2025 due to Samsung's failure to develop competitive Mini LED televisions at an affordable price.

The lawsuit claims that Samsung launched its M Model televisions in March at prices below TCL's most affordable Mini LED offerings, while simultaneously advertising them as Mini LED televisions. However, TCL's legal team asserts that the M Model televisions lack any of the technological advancements characteristic of Mini LED technology and are merely recycled from Samsung's standard LED televisions.

TCL further alleges that Samsung's deceitful practices have succeeded, as the company's fraudulent "Mini LED" products have recaptured the market share that TCL had previously gained. In its legal request, TCL is seeking a court order to prevent Samsung from further using the "Mini LED" designation and is demanding an unspecified amount of monetary damages.