Annabelle Bennett, an Australian Federal Court judge, deems the Samsung, Apple 3G litigation wrangles to be ridiculous. The judge who is overseeing the global case in its preliminary levels, with regard to U.S and U.K proceedings, noted that the ‘ridiculous’ drama was not typical of other companies.
“Why on earth are these proceedings going ahead?” An evidently surprised Bennett questioned while directing her attention to lawyers in the court room. Bennett went on to add that any other similar dispute would have long ended in mediation, suggesting that this would be her likely course of action.
The Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Samsung struggle has long been attributed to the fact that the two closely placed competitors are battling out for a $312 billion market.
Apple Takes a Beat
A new chapter of unexpected twists has been added to this endless story. A UK judge has instructed Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to run ads that discredit previous allegations, saying that Samsung copied the iPad, reports Bloomberg.
Judge Collins Birss, who has since become renowned for his somewhat biased opinions, remarked that Samsung products were ‘not as cool’. This comment came after he concluded that Samsung did not copy the iPad, and that the public needed to get wind of the truth.
Birss went on to add that the ads would be placed in local papers and Apple’s U.K website. Birss further exclaimed that the website notice would ‘embellish’ Apple’s homepage for six months.
From the look of things, it is evident that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been pushed to an unfamiliar corner. The tech big wig is accustomed to winning court rulings, and giving its lawyers a pat on the back. It’s too bad this time it lost, and on top of that will have to spend top dollar to refer customers to its bitter rival. “No company likes to refer to a rival on its website,” remarked Richard Hacon, one of Apple’s lawyers.
In as much as the ruling leaned towards Samsung’s side, things were not as smooth, as Birss, in addition to calling Samsung products ‘not as cool’, yesterday turned down Samsungs bid for an injunction. Apparently, Samsung wanted to block Apple from publicly saying that the Galaxy infringed Apple design patents. Birss did not grant Samsung’s bid, because he believed that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) had the right to give its opinion.
As per now, tension between Samsung and Apple has reached vitriolic boiling points. Apple has been aggressive in battling things out with Samsung. All through the case, its lawyers have been able to convince judges until now. Samsung has now racked up a point in the heated battle.
Apple noted that it will appeal the July 9th ruling. This yet again assures everyone that the litigation drama is far from over.
With the Australian judge considering the wrangles to be ridiculous, and Birss giving his sentiment towards the matter, it seems as if the Apple, Samsung litigation has swelled beyond control.
