Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but not if you’re one of the world’s biggest innovators, and your competition is fast catching up with you.
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| Pic credit: Engadget |
Steve Jobs’ Apple Inc is suing Korean giant, Samsung Electronics for copying the “look and feel” of its iconic iPad and iPhone smartphone.
The lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on April 15 in California, states Samsung’s Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and Galaxy Tab touchscreen tablet violate Apple’s intellectual property in more ways than just a passing similarity.
The claim for intellectual property infringements alleges: “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products”.
Engadget claims that past legal tussels over copyright infringement have rarely resulted in judgements being handed down, and have more chance of ending up with “grudging handshakes and licensing going one way with money going the other way”.
The Wall Street Journal also claims the lawsuit could complicate the relationship between Apple and Samsung, since Apple is a major client of the Korean giant. Samsung makes microchips that are used in Apple’s products.
In another twist of legal wrangle, it could also involve search giant Google, since the interface used in Samsung’s products is none other than the Android interface, which has been fast gaining pace on Apple’s iOS operating system.
According to Reuters, Apple noted that earlier versions of Samsung’s phones had not displayed the same combination of Apple’s designs, claiming that earlier icons had not displayed square with rounded edges
The lawsuit records 16 claims against Samsung, including unjust enrichment, trademark infringement and 10 patent claims.
