Apple Inc. (AAPL) Failed To Add Galaxy S4 In Samsung Suit

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s request to include the Samsung Galaxy S4 in its patent lawsuit against the company has been turned down by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal in a ruling dated June 26,  CNET reports.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Failed To Add Galaxy S4 In Samsung Suit

In a statement yesterday, Judge Grewal said that adding a new product to the case is a “tax on the court’s resources,” and the action would violate Judge Lucy Koh’s previous instruction to minimize the scope of the lawsuit.

“Each time these parties appear in the courtroom, they consume considerable amounts of the court’s time and energy, which takes time way from other parties who also require and are entitled to the court’s attention.” said Grewal in his statement.

“Judge Koh has been explicit with both parties that this case must be streamlined, which requires reducing the number of products and patents at issue — not increasing them,” wrote Grewal.

Apple Has Already Added Products Previously

Earlier in May, Apple added the new Samsung Galaxy S4 to a patent infringement lawsuit that already includes a total of twenty-two Samsung products like Galaxy Note products, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy S III.

According to today’s ruling, if Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wants to bring a lawsuit against Samsung for Galaxy S4, it will have to file it separately, independent of the existing lawsuit.

“Apple already needs to dismiss without prejudice several products from this case and so a new trial would be likely regardless. Given the likely undue prejudice to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) and Judge Koh’s directives regarding the management and progression of this case, the court DENIES Apple’s request to add the Galaxy S4 to its contentions.”

Apple’s Previous Awards

Last year, a jury awarded California-based Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) $1.05 billion in damages from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930), but Judge Koh lowered that to $639.4 million on the grounds of jury’s error. She also ordered a new damages trial in November for some of the products in that case.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) spokesperson Kristen Huguet refused to comment on the recent ruling.

 

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