Samsung and Apple being in court is nothing new. However, the current headlining battle is one which has taken a different approach to the rest. As per usual for this sort of legal argument, the battle does rage over the use of patented technology. However, unlike the rest of the cases, this battle is not being fought over whether patented technology by Apple was used by Samsung. In fact, this has already been decided in a court of law and damages have already been awarded accordingly.
While Samsung has contested the result, they do not seem to be contesting the actual verdict of using the technology and instead are contesting the damages awarded. The logic being applied by Samsung is that damages for a patented component should not automatically relate to profits made by an entire product. In short, the sum of a product is more than the individual parts and Samsung wants the US Supreme Court to rule that damages awarded for the use of patented components should be relevant to monies made solely for the use of those parts. This has been an argument which has gained some notable traction with other companies and does have wider repercussions which would create a knock on effect for all future patent battles between any two companies. Which does make this particular battle a little different to the rest.
However, today has seen the next chapter in the current US Supreme Court segment of the ongoing battle with Apple appealing to the Supreme Court to hold up the original awarded amount. Apple suggests that Samsung has not provided sufficient details to warrant patent awards being solely relevant to the component level. As a result, Apple argue there is no need to further extend the case or to return the case to the lower court, which was an option that the US Department of Justice recently suggested could be the best course of action in this particular instance. Of course, the decision of whether to return the case to the lower court or change the award ruling still does reside with the US Supreme Court. Today’s latest update just sees Apple arguing that there is no need to.