A court in the US has ordered Samsung Electronics Co. to pay in damages of $1.05 billion to Apple Inc, as it infringed on Apple’s intellectual property.
The jury of nine members decided that Samsung has imitated Apple’s iPhone’s design and software patents while rejecting Samsung’s counter claims.
Apple also seeks to ban the import of several products made by its main rival in the US.
Recently, a Korean court ruled out that both the companies copied from each other, while a court in UK rejected Apple’s claims that the South Korean electronics giant infringed on its copyrights.
But the US case which has been a year-long has involved damage claims as one of the biggest, and paved the way how in future patent licenses will be handled.
Samsung promises to appeal against the verdict. Describing the verdict a loss for American consumers, Samsung also said the decision will lead to fewer choices, increased prices and less innovation.
The statement also included that it’s very unfortunate how a patent law is manipulated to give a single company monopoly over rounded cornered rectangles.
Meanwhile, Apple applauded the court’s decision for pointing out Samsung’s willful behavior and sending a clear and loud message that it isn’t write to steal. Apple also intended for a follow-up hearing due on September 20 to seek sales injunctions.
Samsung and Apple are responsible for more than half of worldwide sales of smartphones and tablet computers.
