It has been a long time since Samsung and Apple have been fighting about patent issues in the design of their smartphones. On October 11, the two companies faced each other again for another hearing, but this time, in front of the Supreme Court.
According to The Verge, what these companies are fighting about is more than just a patent infringement, but rather the cost of the profits gained from the original design of the smartphone. Both parties argued how they deserved to be properly awarded on the damage resulted due to design patent infringement.
This is a huge deal in the tech world, as according to ARS Technica, this is the first time that the Supreme Court will have something to say about the limits of design patent lawsuits. For those who are not aware of what exactly a design patent is, this pretty much covers the exterior design of a gadget. The usual issue that goes to court involves utility patents, which deals more on the function of the invention.
Compared to utility patents, designs patents are considered a small deal to fight about. This type of issue doesn't usually even go to the Supreme Court. But in the case of Apple and Samsung, it has become a huge deal since a large amount of money is involved for the damaged caused by the party who would be found guilty of infringement. This whole issue started in 2012 and the jury even took favor in Apple and Samsung was asked to pay $1.05 billion for copying Apple's trademarks as well as its patent. Samsung made an appeal, which made their verdict went down to $548 million.
There is no final verdict as of the moment from the Supreme Court. Fans of the two tech companies would just have to wait for it. Who do you think is guilty of patent design infringement here? Apple or Samsung? Share with us your answer in the comments section below.
