There’s been another sensational escalation in the PATENT WAR, with Apple now asking a Dutch court to ban ALL Samsung Galaxy-branded tablets and smartphones from sale across all of Europe – even going so far as to ask for a recall of units already in shops.
The astonishing move is more serious than last week’s effort (since reduced in scope), in that it covers internal patent infringements rather then exterior design issues, which therefore widens the scope to include the likes of the Galaxy Ace, Nexus S and pretty much every Samsung Android device out there. Here’s a snippet from the latest complaint:
Apple demands that Samsung and its subsidiaries send a “letter of request” to all their European clients to recall all infringing products from stock “within 14 days” and offer compensation of the purchase price as well as transport costs.
Apple demands that Samsung’s letter should include a statement saying that if clients don’t comply, that they themselves violate Apple’s intellectual property rights.
It’s all too much. Apple needs to be stopped. Let’s all meet up outside Samsung’s office and help defend it with swords. Link via TNW with additional facts from Computer World.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
Juhani
/ August 18, 2011Well.. Only thing I have to say is that Apple can kiss my ass.
Sponge Finge
/ August 18, 2011My email to Steve Jobs…
Mr. Jobs,
I hear you’re demanding that Samsung and various other parties recall various devices because they infringe your patents.
I was wondering if you’d like my Samsung Galaxy S II.
I quite like it but the battery life is poor and there are various user interface problems I could do without.
I’d swap it for an iPhone 5 and I’ll let you know how that goes if you like.
Cheers,
Jon Garrett
/ August 19, 2011Steve Jobs email to you,
Mr. Sponge Finge
You can keep your Samsung Galaxy S II. To join my cult, you dont have to give up your phone thats twice as good as mine. All you have to do if be a blind follower, believe everything I say, buy a new phone from me every year and I will reward you by dominating and controlling every aspect of your life….or sue you if you disobey me.
Anton Gully
/ August 19, 2011You for to add “Sent from my iPhone” at the bottom of the email…
MarkG
/ August 18, 2011Apple are really shitting bricks it seems. Even they know deep down, they are fucked. Cheaper and better Android devices from a multitude of suppliers, and a Android ecosystem where you can buy content and not be locked to a single supplier. For consumers that’s a very good thing, and consumers are voting with their wallets…
UKAndroid
/ August 19, 2011Apple seem intent on alienating people by becoming more litigious and less innovative.
They seem to be in danger of becoming a tech “diva” intent on self destruction?
edhe
/ August 19, 2011If Apple were so fearful of Samsung.. why not just buy them?
They *could*.
Neil
/ August 19, 2011Has anyone noticed how Apple are very much like Microsoft in the 90′s? they are trying to compete though brute force litigation (somewhat dubious litigation) rather than though innovation.
To give Apple credit, they are historically very creative with their product line but over the past two or so years they haven’t pulled out anything with their usual “wow” factor – just rehashes of the same products. Maybe the pressure is being felt at the board level with Jobs in and out though the doors on medical leave?
MarkG
/ August 19, 2011The point is, in business when you are at the front and have as much spare cash as Microsoft and Apple, you can make magic things happen, problems go away, judges vote in your favor and all sorts of dodgy stuff.
Just like Microsoft did their best to Destroy Netscape in the 90′s (and got caught out), so Apple are playing a similar game now…
Hands0n
/ August 20, 2011Apple are just playing the same game as everyone else. There is a whole load of counter-litigation going on right now. Add to that the patent trolls that are trying to harvest cash from all of the manufacturers (including Apple).
The thing with patents, whether or not you like Apple or hate them, is that if the firm owns those patents then they are wholly entitled to protect them. Otherwise what is the point of patenting anything at all?
So while Android/Samsung fans may not like it, if Apple have a case then Samsung may very well need to comply or pay up. And don’t forget, Apple (like all the firms) are filing new patents continuously, on a weekly basis. So the chances of patent infringement are ever present.
It is now for the courts to decide if Apple have a case or not.
Dr. E. Genius
/ October 16, 2011To be honest, I have to side with Apple on this one. And certainly don’t tell, because I own four Android devices and work for Google as a content publishing developer for Android. The fact remains, Samsung is responsible for serial IP infringement. Their “TouchWhiz” UI hack seems to turn all of the unique aspects of stock Android into an iClone version. In addition, their devices are becoming more and more similar to Apple’s own. Complaining that Apple hasn’t released anything new is a moot point because, and we all know this, Samsung is copying their designs more than ever. If Apple’s designs are so old-fashioned, why is Samsung scrambling to catch up and copy them? In my opinion, Samsung needs to get out of the consumer mobile device sector. They just aren’t very original, and their support is world-renowned for being the worst. Let’s face the facts here – Samsung is a huge Korean conglomerate with no style, passion or… dare I say it.. Seoul. Apple is driving innovation in the mobile sector and as a result, I say they need to protect their IP. And besides, showing Samsung the door for IP infringement isn’t likely to “reduce competition” since Samsung isn’t competing so much a blatantly copying and trying to cash in on Apple’s innovation. If there’s one thing Apple has historically known, it’s innovation. I’m with them in protecting their IP.
Jamie.
/ October 23, 2011You do realise your part about TouchWiz is completely irrelevant, as TouchWiz was around before they started using it on Android. It was used on LOADS of their touch screen phones in 2008/2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF9rcmX83yQ