Samsung wins Dutch ruling versus Apple over 3G technology
updated 12:37 pm EDT, Wed June 20, 2012
Apple now owes royalties, Hague court says
Samsung has won a legal victory against Apple through the Netherlands' Hague District Court, according to The Verge. Apple is said to have violated patent EP1188269, one relating to 3G networking. Because the patent is classified as a FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing) item, Samsung is not entitled to any sales or import bans; the court has stated, however, that Apple owes the company compensation.
Samsung issued an official statement before the decision was even made public. "Samsung welcomes the decision of the court in The Hague, which again confirms that Apple makes free use of our technological innovations. In accordance with this statement, we will recover adequate damages that Apple and its products have caused," it reads. Infringing Apple products are said to include the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4, as well as the first- and second-generation iPads.
Apple has won most of its legal battles with Samsung so far, sometimes securing injunctions. The companies are currently headed toward a US trial next month, having failed to reach a settlement in court-ordered talks. Recently Apple attempted to block Samsung's flagship Galaxy S III smartphone from launching in the US, but a district court judge blocked the motion.
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Joined: Jun 2012
This is a good thing.
Shamesung will now try to gouge Apple on the royalties for a FRAND patent, consequently garnering attention from the EU courts for doing so. I view this as a long term win for Apple.