Apple has won a patent dispute against Samsung in the USA. The Korean company will be forced to pay $548 million, as part of the $1 billion settlement in damages that Apple was awarded in 2012 (Apple Wins Patent Battle, Samsung to Pay $1 Billion, Display Monitor Vol 19 No 35). However, Samsung has reserved the right to claim the money back if there are further developments in the case.
The patent dispute applies to older devices, such as the Galaxy S3, but also covers features such as slide to unlock and autocorrect.
A US court will decide whether Apple can claim more money from Samsung in a second damages payout next year.
Analyst Comment
As we commented in 2012, the impact of the win is unlikely to be felt in the financial penalty – considering the size of Apple and Samsung’s cash flows – but if Apple succeeds in stopping Samsung from shipping in the US. (TA)
