Coby Electronics Corporation
 The "COBY" name styled similarly to the Sony logo | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Fate | Acquired by Gordon Brothers Group |
| Headquarters | Lake Success, New York |
Key people | Young Dong Lee (CEO/Legal Representative) |
| Products | Home and portable audio/video electronics |
| Revenue |  US$300 million |
Number of employees | 2,000 |
| Website | www |
Coby Electronics Corporation was a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in consumer electronics, with its main office located in Lake Success, New York. The company maintained manufacturing facilities and offices internationally, including locations in the United States, Mexico, and China. Through its subsidiaries headquartered in Hong Kong and the United States, Coby marketed products throughout Asia, North America, South America, and Europe, with a strong emphasis on the European and American markets. Additionally, Coby functioned as an OEM for well-known brands such as Samsung, NEC, RadioShack’s Presidian line, and Hyundai. Its portfolio mainly featured budget-friendly home and portable audio/video devices.
In June 2013, Coby halted operations due to financial distress. Subsequently, in August 2013, the Gordon Brothers Group purchased the company’s assets and resumed product distribution; however, this transaction did not include obligations like customer warranty coverage.
History
Established in 1990 by South Korean businessman Young Dong Lee—who retained full ownership—the company’s name originated from a shortened form of "Cowboy," the title of Lee’s initial electronics wholesale venture. The branding utilized a Bookman Old Style Bold typeface reminiscent of the Sony logo’s design.
Initially based in an industrial district of Maspeth, Queens, Coby shifted its global headquarters to Lake Success, New York in 2008 while keeping its original location as a storage facility. In early 2006, the firm invested in a new manufacturing plant and updated production methods in Jiangxi Province, China, intending to employ up to 5,000 workers. This initiative was part of a strategic repositioning to improve product quality without sacrificing affordability.
In March 2013, Coby was defeated in a New York State court case brought by Koninklijke Philips Electronics over unpaid DVD licensing fees. The following month saw a workforce reduction by 35% alongside the closure of a warehouse in Savannah, Georgia, both actions attributed to ongoing economic pressures.
Closure
Confronted with significant financial challenges following a contractual dispute with Philips, Coby Electronics Corporation terminated its business activities on August 16, 2013. The Gordon Brothers Group acquired the company’s inventory, fixtures, machinery, intellectual property rights, global trademarks, and patents but did not assume liabilities such as warranty commitments to customers. Gordon Brothers intended to relaunch Coby as an electronics brand. Of note, hhgregg was the sole retailer that honored warranties on Coby products; however, hhgregg has since ceased operations.
Television recall following company shutdown
On December 13, 2013, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of several Coby flat-screen televisions due to risks of overheating and potential fire hazards. After Coby ceased operations, certain retailers that had sold the TFTV3229 model managed the exchange process for returned units.
Products
Coby's range of offerings encompassed home and portable audio-visual electronics along with related accessories. Major product lines included LCD TVs, internet-enabled tablets, MP3 players, tablet DVD players, digital photo frames, and surround-sound home theater equipment. These items were made available through both physical retail locations and e-commerce platforms serving urban and regional customers.
Recalls
From 2007 through 2009, Coby initiated four voluntary recalls, issuing full reimbursements to affected consumers. Some customers experienced difficulties with the MP822-4G MP3 player model; a software update was previously provided on Coby’s official website to address these problems.
Corporate identities
The business also operated under the designations Coby Electronics Inc. and Foshan Coby Electronics Corporation.
Domain name dispute
In 2006, Coby Electronics Corporation sought to obtain the "coby.com" domain from its individual registrant, Coby O'Brien, through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy. This case is frequently referenced as an example of reverse domain hijacking. Ultimately, O'Brien retained ownership of the domain, prompting Coby Electronics to establish its online presence using "cobyusa.com".