Tech

Apple wins patent infringement case but Samsung is likely affected

The federal court ordered Samsung to halt older version of its smartphones for breaching Apple's patent. It was found that Samsung was guilty of copyright infringement filed by Apple. But the features included in the case were no longer used by Samsung.

The U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals deliberated that Samsung Electronics infringed three patents of the iPhone's features from Apple Inc. Samsung has stolen ideas and copied products. These are slide-to-unlock, automatic word correction and quick links, Tech Times reported.

Apple said in a statement that they want to prevent Samsung for profiting from infringed features on its devices, "We are fighting to defend the hard work that goes into beloved products like the iPhone, which our employees devote their lives to designing and delivering for our customers."

The court ruled that only the older models must be blocked. U.S. Federal Circuit Judge Kimberly Moore wrote, "Apple does not seek to enjoin the sale of lifesaving drugs, but to prevent Samsung from profiting from the unauthorized use of infringing features in its cellphones and tablets," cited on Up North Live. 

It is two out of three decisions. Court Judge Lucy Koh deliberates a monetary damage for the resolution. Though Samsung has paid Apple for damages on previous rulings, Samsung is still expecting the court will review it further.                                                                                                                                                           

The majority came with the decision upon seeing Samsung's internal report that indicates iPhone screens. It is noted in the document Samsung will improve its usability creating links and contents.

On the contrary, Samsung seems not affected on Apple's victory as the court refers to older models like Galaxy S3 that was launched in 2012. Samsung had released its latest model which was Galaxy S6 and Edge+.

Added to that, Arstechnica mentioned that Samsung no longer uses slide-to-unlock anymore to their phones, so the patent was not infringed anymore. Samsung's keypad has been updated many times as well.

The order of the court comes after Samsung had developed its features. However, Apple could still use the order if Samsung will come up with devices having similar features to the patents.


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