Apple CEO, Tim Cook has commented publicly on Apple’s patent trial win on Friday, in which it was awarded $1.05bn and cleared of infringing upon Samsung patents. In a memo to staff, released by Apple, Cook said:
For us this lawsuit has always been about something much more important than patents or money. It’s about values. We value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. And we do this to delight our customers, not for competitors to flagrantly copy.
Cook thanked the jury for the time it had spent ‘listening to our story’ and said that ‘The mountain of evidence presented during the trial showed that Samsung’s copying went far deeper than we knew.’ He added that the verdict sent a ‘a loud and clear message that stealing isn’t right.’
Samsung issued a statement immediately after the ruling, describing the verdict as ‘a loss for the American consumer.’
It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies. Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products.
The next stage in the ongoing battle between the two companies is a hearing on 20 September at which Apple will try to have some Samsung smartphone handsets banned from being imported into the US.
