Yeah, we’re all way past done with the Apple vs Samsung vs Apple $1 billion patent verdict, but when Google releases an official statement, and Samsung posts an internal memo, well, we can’t exactly ignore ’em.
Here’s what Samsung has posted:
We initially proposed to negotiate with Apple instead of going to court, as they had been one of our most important customers. However, Apple pressed on with a lawsuit, and we have had little choice but to counter-sue, so that we can protect our company.
Certainly, we are very disappointed by the verdict at the US District Court for the Northern District of California (NDCA), and it is regrettable that the verdict has caused concern amongst our employees, as well as our loyal customers.
However, the judge’s final ruling remains, along with a number of other procedures. We will continue to do our utmost until our arguments have been accepted.
The NDCA verdict starkly contrasts decisions made by courts in a number of other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Korea, which have previously ruled that we did not copy Apple’s designs. These courts also recognized our arguments concerning our standards patents.
History has shown there has yet to be a company that has won the hearts and minds of consumers and achieved continuous growth, when its primary means to competition has been the outright abuse of patent law, not the pursuit of innovation.
We trust that the consumers and the market will side with those who prioritize innovation over litigation, and we will prove this beyond doubt.
And here’s what Google had to say:
The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims. Most of these don’t relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.
No big surprises, and nothing we didn’t expect them to say. No doubt Samsung is saving the rest of their talking for when court reconvenes, when yet more motions get filed, when the verdict gets argued, and when the battle over final damages begins.
If you haven’t already, check out our patent podcast from the weekend, and in the meantime you’ll forgive us if we get back to writing about phones and tablets for a while…
Source: Samsung Today, The Verge