Samsung Infringes on Apple Patents in USA, Sales Ban Decision Pending
Yesterday, Samsung had to endure another setback in Australia in its battle against Apple and their design patents/design models, and today the same scenario almost repeated itself in the USA. During a hearing in California, Judge Lucy H. Koh determined that Samsung was infringing on some of Apple’s patents.
However, the judge also noted that the patents in question might be invalid. As a result, the injunction was not granted at this time. She pointed out that Apple still needs to provide evidence of the patents’ validity. Despite this, it is still possible for the judge to issue a sales ban on Samsung products in the formal ruling. A decision is expected to be made and announced shortly.
During the hearing, the judge held up an iPad and a Galaxy Tab and asked the Samsung attorneys to identify them. “Not from this distance, Your Honor,” admitted a Samsung attorney standing several meters away from the bench. Another Samsung lawyer quickly aided his colleague and provided the correct answer.
In recent weeks, mobile providers T-Mobile and AT&T have backed Samsung and expressed opposition to Apple’s actions. A sales ban on Samsung devices would negatively impact the holiday sales and the expansion of LTE networks, ultimately harming the US economy.
