Apple-Samsung Mobile Patent Saga: Judge Reduces Damages Payable | TechTree.com

Apple-Samsung Mobile Patent Saga: Judge Reduces Damages Payable

New trial ordered, Samsung intends to seek further review as to the remaining award too.

 

Judge Lucy Koh of the U.S. District Court Northern District of California in San Jose, last week ruled that the jury had incorrectly calculated part of the damages to be paid by Samsung to Apple. In her ruling she said, "The court has identified an impermissible legal theory on which the jury based its award and cannot reasonably calculate the amount of excess while effectuating the intent of the jury."

Apple had convinced the jury last year, that Samsung's Galaxy series of products infringe its iPhone and iPad patents.

Even as newer Samsung products (including the Galaxy S4) seem designed to avoid infringing upon Apple's patents, 14 of Samsung's older devices (including the Galaxy S2) are at the center of the dispute. The jury's award to Apple totaling almost $599 million for 14 other separate products, was maintained.

A previous award of $450.5 million set by the jury, is the portion that has been struck out of the total amount of $1.04 billion. However, the new trial which has been ordered to determine the actual amount, will still end up setting Samsung back by a huge sum - although the sum may be less or more than the $450.5 million that has been struck out by Judge Koh.

Apple's motion for an increase in the jury's damages award had been rejected, the company declined to comment. Samsung on the other hand, seeks further review of the remaining award as well. In a statement the South Korean company said, "We are pleased that the court decided to strike $450,514,650 from the jury's award. Samsung intends to seek further review as to the remaining award."

Apple and Samsung are involved in multiple legal trials over mobile design, in many countries. Many people view their patent wars as a proxy, to the market competition between their mobile phones and tablets. Apple relies on Samsung for supply of some crucial components.


TAGS: Apple, Samsung, Patent

 
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