If you are an Apple or Samsung user then you probably do not care so much about the eternal raging battle between the two companies. The saga has gone on now for over three years with no clear outcome. In fact, the battle has jumped from country and region with both companies suing and counter suing all over the world. This did come to a brief end when the two agreed to drop all cases except the US one. This case also did come to a close a short while back with Samsung being found culpable for infringing on a number of Apple’s patents. As a result, Samsung were slapped with a hefty (not so much to them) fine of $930 million.
Well today was the next chapter in the ongoing saga. In spite of Samsung being found guilty, they were back in court today appealing the previous decision. In fact, they were not so much appealing the decision but instead appealing the fine amount claiming it was unreasonable for the infringements in question. Which, by the way, was already a reduction from the $1 billion previously awarded. Anyway, in trying to do away with the fine, Samsung’s representatives asked for the whole thing to be thrown out, due to the previous trial coming to the wrong conclusion. According to those representing Samsung, the previous (lower) court made the wrong decision. Samsung did not infringe on Apple as there was no apple logo, no home button and the speakers were placed differently. According to the representatives, “this was akin to awarding entire profits on a car because of an infringing cup holder”. As you would expect Apple’s corner totally disagreed, arguing that it was, in fact an infringement, that the cup holder analogy was pointless and the fine should stand.
Well, if you were hoping for an outcome today it did not (and probably never was going to) happen. The judges on this occasion did not give any indication on their decision or even when the decision will be made. As such, you can expect to tune into the next episode of Apple and Samsung soon enough. Don’t forget too, that we are expecting an appeal soon from Samsung on the ‘other’ case where Apple were awarded compensation for future infringements. How do you feel about the whole thing? Are Samsung’s infringements the same as making a similar cup holder in another car? Let us know