The Seoul Central District Court in Korea has ruled that Samsung and Apple violated each other’s patents. The end result is that both companies are banned from selling the infringed devices in South Korea including the iPhone 4, iPad 2, the Samsung Galaxy S2, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Tab 10.1. Both companies were rewarded punitive damages.
Apple is accusing Samsung for creating consumer confusion and being a copycat. The judge noted despite similarities in physical design, the devices between the two companies have distinct logos, making it difficult for consumers to mix them up. In addition to logos, the judge also noted Samsung’s products differentiate from Apple’s with its three buttons in the front and differently adopted designs for the camera and sides. The judge also considered the fact that buyers look at other options when purchasing a new device such as price, brand, applications, services and operating systems.
The court ruled Apple violated two of Samsung’s wireless technology patents, while Samsung violated one of Apple’s for bounce-back technology. Apple must pay Samsung a punitive of $17,650 in damages for each violated patent, while Samsung must pay Apple $22,000 respectively.
Source: CNET