Can Apple Attorneys Get Samsung Smartphones Banned in US?
Shortly after its resounding defeat of Samsung, Apple is seeking an injunction against the sale of eight Samsung smartphones from U.S. stores.
The Samsung phones are all older models and include the Galaxy S2 and Droid Charge, reports Reuters. Not subject to the initial injunction is Samsung's flagship model, the Galaxy S III, though that may eventually change.
What Apple's quick action against Samsung signifies is that the iPhone maker is seeking to turn its court victory into an immediate business advantage. This will probably hurt competitors in the short-term, but it should eventually motivate competitors like Samsung to develop new innovations instead of simply following the leader.
The Apple Samsung trial validated Apple's patents on several important features and design elements on its smartphone and tablet products. As a result, Apple now has a powerful weapon it can wield against its competitors in possible injunction actions to enforce its patents, reports Reuters.
So while the S III may not have been included in the original lawsuit, Apple could eventually go after that device too as borrowing off infringed patents.
In the meantime, all Apple clones/competitors are likely taking a closer look at their products and innovation. The Samsung case may have only been a test case, and Apple could conceivably go after all its competitors for copying its iPhone and iPad.
Samsung is reportedly already working on designing around the infringing patents to keep its products on the market. Companies using Google's Android platform may also be considering design changes, reports Reuters.
As a result of the injunctions, threatened injunctions, and possible injunctions stemming from the Apple/Samsung lawsuit, consumers could stand to benefit the most. With all the innovation and design changes to get around Apple's patents, one of these companies may stumble upon a product actually innovative, and not merely a copycat.
Related Resources:
- Samsung to fight Apple's motion to ban smartphones (USA TODAY)
- What the Apple Verdict Means for the Smartphone Industry (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Apple, Samsung Facing Astronomical Legal Fees (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)