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TCL-Samsung Mini LED advertising lawsuit

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2026-10-04 21:03 UTC → 2026-10-06 03:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

TCL North America has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics America in a Los Angeles federal court, alleging false advertising regarding Mini LED television technology. TCL claims that Samsung’s 2026 M-series ~~televisions are~~ televisions—specifically models M70H, M80H, and M90H—are being marketed as featuring advanced Mini LED ~~technology, which provides enhanced dynamic range and contrast,~~ technology when they actually utilize standard, edge-lit LED technology. TCL argues that Samsung is repackaging older, low-end ~~products—specifically~~ products, such as rebranded entry-level Crystal UHD ~~models—to~~ models, to mislead consumers and ~~unfairly~~ divert sales from authentic Mini LED models. The lawsuit notes that TCL had overtaken Samsung in U.S. Mini LED market share between 2023 and 2025, but Samsung’s sales of the allegedly mislabeled M Model rose nearly fourfold in less than three months. TCL further alleges that certain Samsung models rely on software-based dimming rather than the hardware-driven full-array local dimming typically associated with Mini LED technology. ~~The company argues these products are essentially standard LED televisions rebranded to appear more advanced.~~ Expert Guillaume Chansin of Counterpoint Research noted that software-based dimming is generally less effective than hardware-based local dimming solutions, particularly regarding blooming artifacts. The dispute has highlighted a lack of a unified global definition for Mini LED ~~technology. Currently,~~ technology, as there are currently no binding international rules governing the specific number of diodes, their size, or the minimum number of dimming zones required to use the ~~label, despite the term implying a modern backlight with higher brightness and better contrast.~~ label. TCL is seeking an injunction to halt these marketing practices and is requesting unspecified monetary damages. Samsung has stated it intends to defend itself vigorously, maintaining that it “fully supports the quality and accuracy of our product descriptions.”

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