While Microsoft was busy sending holiday cheer to Apple, things were not so friendly on the Samsung front. It’s been almost half a decade since Samsung was awarded the $1 Billion penalties for patent infringement. Since then, the original verdict has been overturned multiple times.After many changes in the amount over the years, an out-of-court settlement between the two companies has been reached. The price tag? $548M.
However, it is not all blue skies yet. In a statement released by Samsung, the smartphone giant said:
[…] Samsung further reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise…overturned.
“ Samsung says that it reserves the right to claim reimbursement should any subsequent legal finding affect the validity of the award,” clarifies 9to5mac. Obviously, Apple is like, “Yeah, sure!” (Hint: sarcasm). However, Samsung on their part promised to pay the amount in ten days if Apple can churn out the invoice by this week.
Meanwhile, Samsung was busy staking its claims and hoping to seek out some damages. They have appealed to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to declare Apple’s patent for pinch-to-zoom invalid! The USPTO said “Ok, fine.” It also went on say another one of Apple’s design patent is invalid! Of course, Apple is challenging it, but it seems like a losing battle.
Now you know why Samsung want to keep the option of getting repaid open! Looks like the tussle will extend into another year or so. And considering the money involved, it only seems fair that no one is hurrying anything.
We have the best solution, though, Apple, drop your prices; Samsung give us better battery life. We’ll buy both your phones, and we have a win-win situation!!
