German Court Revives Copyright Fight Over Iconic USM Haller Furniture
04.07.2026 - 06:03:38 | boerse-global.de
The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has overturned a lower-court ruling on the copyright status of the USM Haller modular furniture system, sending the case back to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court for a fresh hearing. The decision follows a 2025 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which clarified that applied art should not be held to excessively high standards of originality when seeking copyright protection. For manufacturers of office furniture, the outcome could strengthen legal safeguards for established design classics and influence how new products are developed.
Even as the courtroom drama unfolds, the office-furniture industry is racing to embed digital features into desks, chairs and accessories. Supplier Eliot plans to launch a smartdongle in July 2026 that will let users control existing desks via a smartphone app. The device is designed as a retrofit upgrade, meaning companies do not need to replace whole workstations to join the connected?office trend.
Eliot already offers several controller models with varying capabilities. All include basic up?and?down adjustments. Specialised variants such as the rotary controller and the keyboard controller add tactile options for fine?tuning desk height. For maximum connectivity, the Procontroller integrates Bluetooth and USB?C ports directly into the control unit, letting businesses and home?office workers tailor desk operation to their digital workflow.
Raw mechanical performance remains a baseline requirement. The Ofinto Elevate office desk, equipped with two motors, adjusts at a speed of 40 millimetres per second. Its height range spans from 66 to 131 centimetres, accommodating users of different stature, and it supports a maximum load of 125 kilograms. In April 2026 the model received a five?star rating—the top grade—in a product test. Ofinto backs the desk with a ten?year warranty and uses FSC?certified materials, reflecting a broader industry push toward sustainability and long?term investment security.
Ergonomic accessories are also evolving. The Elloven monitor stand, for instance, features integrated cable management and can hold up to 20 kilograms. On the seating front, the Musso X700 chair introduces a lumbar support system and a built?in footrest, targeting prolonged sitting comfort.
Meanwhile, retail formats are adapting to urban lifestyles. At the end of June 2026, a major Swedish furniture retailer opened its first small?footprint store concept in Germany, in Ingolstadt. The outlet offers a reduced product range and a cashless self?checkout system, designed to meet the needs of city?centre shoppers who value speed and convenience over showroom size.
