Can Siri tell us who will come out on top?
If you have watched the news recently, then you have some idea of what is going on with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (ADR) (LON:BC94). Apparently, Samsung has upset the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) by copying designs that are similar to Apple’s Iphone and Ipad causing legal ramifications to stir for Samsung.
If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wins this lawsuit, they could be awarded up to $2.5 billion in damages, and the future of Samsung would take a big turn. This lawsuit would block Samsung from ever being able to sell their smartphones or tablets in the U.S.
Also, the final ruling on this patent case would have major consequences far beyond Samsung, and would include all smartphones or tablets that operate on Google’s Android O.S. Meaning, by the end of Summer, the long-winded rivalry between Apple and Google, may also come to an end.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is not new to pointing fingers. Back in the mid-1990s, Apple claimed that Microsoft also copied them, and it resulted in their “look and feel” lawsuit. This case is oddly similar to the current case against Samsung.
Apple claimed, “we innovated in creating the graphical user interface; Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) copied us; if our competitors simply copy us, it’s impossible for us to keep innovating.” To their surprise, they lost the case. Apple is currently suing almost all major phone manufacturers, and in which cases, they have retaliated and counter sued. Apple usually likes to challenge Motorola and HTC, but their main rival is Samsung.
How the battle began:
In July 2011, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) claimed Samsung was guilty of patent infringements and sued Samsung. They stated Samsung products were similar to popular Apple products. Apple claimed these products were in the Galaxy line of products, and included the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Samsung counter-sued regarding their 3G patents. Samsung states that the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPad 2 specifically overstepped these patents. Then by August 2011, the Samsung Galaxy tablet (10.1) release date was placed on hold in Australia, due to an intellectual property-trade practices hearing. Apple-Australia acquired and studied the U.S. version of the Galaxy Tab, leading to a lawsuit filed against Samsung. Apple claimed intellectual-property-right-infringement” and this was based specifically on the design of the Apple iPad. This case between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung was simple, quick, and successful, causing the two Corporations to strike a deal. Samsung would agree to restrict sales on their Galaxy Tablet in Australia, and would allow Apple source-devices and sample-code devices for study and approval.
This case shows us that the battle between these two pioneers is not a first, and the final outcome of this current lawsuit may break the hearts of many Samsung/Droid users.
Let’s look at some of the major facts regarding this patent case:
In 2011, the original lawsuit filed by Apple stated the South-Korean based company had copied technology and designs similar to the Iphone and Ipad. Apple was firm in saying that Samsung “slavishly ripped off the technology and design of Apple products”. Samsung responded to this and counter-sued Apple, stating that Apple had also violated patents related to 3G. Apple came back stating Samsung explicitly copied the “look and feel” of Apple’s iOS devices, specifically claiming their Galaxy line of products. (Smartphones and tablets) Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is seeking $2.5 billion in restitution and Samsung is also hoping for their own financial restitution.
Now, four continents-30 courts-failed negotiations later, this suit landed in front of a judge, and the true battle of pioneers began.
“What does each company truly want out of this lawsuit?
Apple is seeking $2.5 billion and injunctions that could cause Samsung’s phones/tablets to be a thing of the past. Samsung is also seeking $422 million for infringement regarding their patents.
The big question – Many smartphone users are not fans of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and if Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (ADR) (LON:BC94) is off the market, what happens to the future of the Smartphone Industry?
