California District Judge Lucy Koh rejected Samsung’s appeal to lift ban on the sales of Galaxy Tab 10.1 in America. On June 26, Koh had ordered to halt the US sales of Samsung tablet which is based on Android platform citing patent infringement issues. On Friday, the court also imposed pre-trial ban on Google and Samsung’s high profile Galaxy Nexus smartphone.
The back to back injunctions have left Samsung in an uncertain position. However, they may not have any major impact on the earnings of Samsung as the company has launched upgraded versions of the banned devices. But the injunctions will definitely impact Samsung’s make-or-break patent trial with Apple on July 30.
Apple and Samsung are fighting legal battles in a dozen countries. Apple claims that the Korean company has “slavishly” copied its iPad and iPhone devices. US ban on Galaxy Tab isn’t the only case. Last August, the tablet was banned from sales in Australia. And when a German court barred the tablet in Europe, Samsung had to launch an upgraded version Galaxy Tab 10.1N to avoid copyright infringement.
“Samsung is disappointed with the court’s decision that denied our motion to stay. We believe today’s ruling will ultimately reduce the availability of superior technological features to consumers in the United States,” Samsung said in its official statement.
But Apple continues to reiterate its stance that many of Samsung smartphones and tablets are the copy of iPhone and iPad. “This kind of blatant copying is wrong and, as we’ve said many times before, we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas,” the Apple spokeswoman said.
Apple is the global leader in tablet and smartphone market, and it seems like Samsung is trying to grab a pie of the market with cheaper “me too” products.
