Samsung trademarks: expansion into trademark classes, 1970–2025
Video: how Samsung extended its South African trademarks into new classes from 1970 to 2025 – from electronics & software, machines, lighting & appliances into new fields. 21 of 45 classes, 870 trademarks. South African trademark statistics by Sibanda & Zantwijk.
Transcript
- 1980: Samsung moves into class 9 electronics & software; class 11 lighting & appliances; class 14 jewellery & watches.
- 1981: Samsung moves into class 7 machines.
- 1993: Samsung moves into class 37 construction & repair; class 42 tech & IT services.
- 1997: Samsung moves into class 2 paints; class 4 oils & fuels; class 5 pharmaceuticals; class 12 vehicles; class 18 leather & bags; class 22 ropes & tents; class 28 toys & sports goods; class 35 advertising & retail; class 36 finance & insurance; class 38 telecoms; class 39 transport & travel; class 41 education & entertainment.
- 2011: Samsung moves into class 44 medical & beauty care.
- 2013: Samsung moves into class 10 medical devices.
- 2019: Samsung moves into class 40 processing materials.
- By 2025, Samsung had trademarks in 21 of the 45 classes.