Apple whipped Samsung in a patent dispute ruling that came down through the courts yesterday. In doing so, Apple may have put a stranglehold on tech shoppers for years to come.
Samsung has been ordered to pay Apple $1.05 billion for infringing on Apple owned patents on 25 different Samsung devices.
Some of the patents involve pretty basic smart phone and tablet experiences, including pinch and zoom, twist to rotate, dragging documents, double tapping to center and enlarge, and that double bounce when an item is scrolled down and hits the bottom of the screen.
It’s too early to tell exactly how the ruling will affect Samsung products that are already on US shelves (we expect to learn about this on Monday). But there’s no doubt that this will put the fear of God (or fear of Apple, at least) into other tech companies.
In the short term, it may mean fewer choices when it comes to tablets and smart phones, as tech companies hold back their existing or soon to launch products to check for possible patent disputes and see what the fallout from the ruling is. In the long-term, who knows? Perhaps it would lead to new innovations as companies work to differentiate their devices from others.
Here’s what Samsung had to say about the ruling:
“Today’s verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies. Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products. This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple’s claims. Samsung will continue to innovate and offer choices for the consumer.”
How do you think this ruling will affect smart phone and tablet shopping in the near future? Leave your comments below!
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
