By : Digital Journal
Source : http://www.digitaljournal.com
Category : Patent Infringement
March 31, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two global corporate giants in the technology sector are battling it out over patents. On the one side is Apple, the Cupertino, California-based company, maker of such renowned products as the Mac computer, iPod, iPad and iPhone, and on the other side, Samsung, the Korean electronics company and prolific maker of semiconductors, mobile phones, televisions and more.
Samsung and Apple have a long history of global patent litigation between them. Broadly, a patent is a legal protection granted for a unique invention or design that prevents others from making or selling it for a defined time period.
A sampling of the patent litigation between the two companies includes:
- U.S.: The design of Samsung's Galaxy smartphones is the central issue in pending patent litigation in federal court in northern California, with trial set for August 2012.
- Germany: The similarity of Samsung's Galaxy tablets to Apple's iPads has given rise to patent cases pending in German courts between the two companies. Samsung recently altered the appearance of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 enough to satisfy a German court that the Galaxy need not be banned for being too much like its Apple counterpart. Another invention Apple is fighting to protect there is its "slide-to-unlock" iPhone feature.
- The Netherlands: A Dutch court reportedly held that Samsung cannot request a ban on iPhones in the country based on patent infringement if Apple is open to negotiating a licensing agreement.
The relationship between the two companies is further complicated by their ongoing business relationship. On the one hand, they are locked in multiple legal disputes over product similarities and on the other they have huge contracts with each other.
According to the Korea Times, information has surfaced anonymously of a deal between the two companies wherein Apple will purchase billions of dollars of chips for iPads and other parts from Samsung through 2014. In 2011, Apple reportedly bought almost $8 billion in parts from Samsung for use as components in Apple products, making it Samsung's largest customer.
Despite what appears to be mutually advantageous business arrangements, there is continuing litigation between the parties. Industry insiders and the intellectual property legal community will be watching the international Samsung and Apple patent disputes carefully as they unfold.
Any individual or company needing to establish patent protection for its inventions, or concerned about infringement of existing patents should consult an experienced and knowledgeable patent attorney for guidance.
Article provided by Wang, Hartmann, Gibbs & Cauley, P.L.C.
Source : http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/647091
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