UPC grants PI against Bega in fight with Washtower over washing machine cabinets

The UPC's local division The Hague has issued Washtower with a preliminary injunction against certain models of washing machine cabinets from competitor Bega. Washtower's former contract manufacturer can no longer sell some of its products. However, the dispute is expected to go to appeal.

Two SMEs have pulled out all the stops to differentiate their products at the UPC. Dutch patent holder Washtower had a version of the disputed washing machine cabinets set up in court and ran the machine through a spin cycle to support its arguments. The two competitors once had a close business relationship, with German defendant Bega acting as a contract manufacturer for Washtower for many years.

Between 2019 and 2024, Bega produced washing machine cabinets for its own brands as well as for Washtower. The out-licensing and contract manufacturing then came to an end.

In 2017, Washtower filed EP 352 2755, which protects certain elements of washing machine cabinets. The challenge here is for the cabinets to minimise the weight and force of the appliances during the washing process. In particular, the patent protects a method of supporting the base plate underneath the washing machine and an L-shaped metal member attached to the edge of this plate.

PI already enforced

The patent was granted in April 2025, but shortly afterwards Washtower accused Bega of infringing the patent with some of its washing machine cabinets (case ID: UPC_CFI_479/2025). Bega then filed a revocation action with the Milan central division.

The UPC’s local division The Hague granted Washtower a PI against Bega. The company can enforce both a sales ban and a recall. At €25,000 Washtower’s security deposit for the PI is surprisingly low — far below the defendant’s demand of €500,000.

The company has already enforced the PI. If Washtower wanted to enforce a recall, it would have to deposit a further €75,000, but this is not expected to happen.

Bega will likely appeal against the PI.