This is definitely the news we did not want to hear today. Not a good way to start the weekend. We all awaited the verdict for the horrendous efforts Apple was trying to pull on Samsung for patent infringement claims. Apple has attacked all the OEM’s that have Android on them, and somehow Android would sidestep the landmines and get out Scott free. Looks like Samsung sidestepped onto a landmine that costs over a billion dollars.
Apple was seeking $2.45 billion dollars in damages from Samsung which is a ridiculous number. Ridiculous or not, they are still going to be getting about $1.05 billion dollars from Samsung, due to Samsung being guilty of certain patent infringements. Amazing how a company can even have that money to give and yet, still be able to bounce back. After the verdict was released, Samsung and Apple released a statement:
Samsung
“Today’s verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies. Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products. This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple’s claims. Samsung will continue to innovate and offer choices for the consumer.â€
Apple
“We are grateful to the jury for their service and for investing the time to listen to our story and we were thrilled to be able to finally tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trail showed that Samsung’s copying went far deeper than even we knew. The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were about much more than patents or money. They were about values. At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy. We applaud the court for finding Samsung’s behavior willful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn’t right.â€
Sad day in the Android world. This victory is going to make it somewhat easier for Apple to go after our beloved phones. I, for one, blame TouchWiz! I know, there is a little more to it than that, but that ugly UI plays a big part in this. Let us know what you guys think.
Sources: Android Police Phandroid
