A U.S. judge slashed Apple award set by a jury against Samsung by more than 40 per cent and announced a new trial to determine the actual value of the damage caused by Samsung to Apple by infringing on its patents.
Last year, a court ruled in favour of Apple in the case that involved both the companies and the dispute related to the patents. The court agreed that Samsung had infringed on Apple’s patent and the Korean company was asked by the jury to pay Apple an amount of $1.05 billion.
A review of the award slashed by the jury has now reduced its value by more than 40 per cent, something that Samsung has appreciated. Samsung said in a statement, via Reuters:
“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.”
The jury award to Apple for 14 other products, valuing around $599 million, was maintained, but both parties will have to face each other once again to fight for the $450.5 million, which, as per the court, was miscalculated by the jury.
The court has now set a new trial to determine the damage. The new trial will take into consideration the disputed $450.5 million, and the new value could go either way, increase or decrease. Reuters quoted Judge Lucy Koh as saying in her ruling:
“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 and Samsung dominate the world smartphone market and while these two are rivals, they depend on each other for their business. Apple buys many parts that it uses in its smartphones and other products from Samsung, though the former has now started contacting other companies for that.
The competition between Apple and Samsung is also seen as a competition between Apple and Google. Apple’s smartphones use its own operating system, while Samsung’s smartphones use Google’s Android as operating system. Android is also used by some other smartphone manufacturers.
Apple has not commented on the latest court ruling. The tough times continue for Apple as the technology giant faces challenges from all corners.
Photo: Digital Trends
Google Reveals “How Search Works”
Yahoo! To Close Some Services
Lunches So Good Kids Can’t Ignore Them
Invigorating Ginger Smoothie
The U.K.’s Youngest Parents Ever
The new hair Jennifer Lawrence