BACKGROUND:
Although settled elsewhere, the battle over the patent is still raging in the US. The US Patent and Trademark Office have most recently rejected all the claims Apple made about a patent against Samsung. This was done on the grounds that certain portions of the claim were not valid. The patent is about ‘autocomplete’ feature that help the user generate word suggestions based on what the user been typing.
THE VERDICT:
The final stand on this particular case is not yet out. The word on the street is that Apple will be able to present their case all over again with more and relevant information. The preliminary ruling will in no way have an effect on the judgement passed by the district court about infringement. The whole process to settle down completely might take a very long time. It could be days, months or even a few years.
On the other hand, Samsung last Thursday have presented their case and the decision of the US Patent and Trademark Office to the court on the grounds that it is by far relevant to Samsung’s claim over invalidity defences for the 172 patent.
Neither Apple nor Samsung are willing to comment on this issue. The legal fight that is currently going on is getting complicated over time and is no more about the money involved. Although, damages have affected both the parties involved. The real battle is over the market. Who get the rule the mobile market is something to look forward to. Either it could go to the South Korean Company – Samsung, who are the leading producer of smart phones or it could go to number two. For now, both continue dominating the smart phone and tablet market.
HISTORY:
All of it started in the year 2011, in the month of April with Apple filling a suit against Samsung. The initial trial was in the month of August 2012. Apple won the first round with nine-person jury supporting Apple’s claim and Apple was awarded compensation for all the damages caused. Samsung asked for counter suit but unfortunately, for them they did not receive anything.
A new trial is under process to recalculate the damages involved in the month of March, 2013. Again, in the month of November, Apple was awarded additional compensation for the damages caused. The last trial took place in the month of May, this increased complications further for both sides asked for compensation.
No decisions are taken as of now. The silence prevails for now. No matter what the decision is, it will change the market forever.
