To ban or not to ban, that is the question as Samsung and Apple prepare for yet another showdown

posted by Chris P.

Jul 16, 2013, 10:08 AM

To ban or not to ban, that is the question as Samsung and Apple prepare for yet another showdown

Just when we began appreciating life without what can be best summarized as an incessant drone, courtesy of Samsung and Apple, we're brought back to reality and reminded that despite the duo getting back to work the companies are far from burying the hatchet.

In case you're a little dizzy (we know we are) on the details leading up the current state of affair here's a short refresher – Apple started a full-scaled onslaught against its South-Korean rival beginning the spring of 2011 over a plethora of patent infringements, to which Samsung responded with a counter-lawsuit of its own (again, over patents). As a result, Apple tried to get a ban on sales of over 30 Samsung devices with mixed results, along with a landmark win that forced Samsung to pay back over $1 billion in damages.

Although Cupertino managed to get some devices out of the way, judge on the case, Lucy Koh, reprimanded Apple for being extreme in its demands, and argued that some of the patent infringements that Samsung got caught out on, while condemned by the court, are nevertheless not a sufficient reason to go ahead with a full-fledged ban.

And if you thought this is where it ends, well – think again. Samsung, in its turn, counter-sued and managed to get the ITC to ban several older Apple devices, some of which still in circulation – the iPhone 4 and the iPad 2. The ban is set to take effect on August 5. And because this is legal world, Apple, of course, counter-sued as well, appealing the injunction and this, believe it or not, is the very, very short version of it all (the duo was embroiled in over 50 lawsuits spanning the globe).

And this (finally) gets us to today – Apple's appeal has been granted by the U.S. Court of Appeals, which has agreed to hear out arguments from both sides starting August 9, four days after the aforementioned ban on its wares will be effected.

Now, whether you see the back-and-forth as an annoying quibble, or think either (or both) party has a point, we think you'll all agree with the following: Samsung, Apple, would you pretty please go back to what you do best and give us another droolworthy device, already!?

source: AllThingsD

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18 Comments

18. itsdeepak4u2000

Posts: 3718; Member since: Nov 03, 2012

Frenemies... and the love-hate relationship goes on...

posted on Jul 17, 2013, 12:45 AM 0

17. Taters

Posts: 6474; Member since: Jan 28, 2013

I still do not get how people can fault both companies for this. It is obviously strictly Apple's fault 100%. Telling both companies to grow up is very backwards. What is Samsung supposed to do? Let Apple bully them like HTC did? Defending yourself is not being petty. It is just surviving. If Apple wants to make be claims, then it is only fair that Samsung makes be claims. Especially when Apple is 1.5 billion ahead.

posted on Jul 17, 2013, 12:40 AM 0

16. roscuthiii

Posts: 2383; Member since: Jul 18, 2010

Not to ban. Company still make money through either fines or licensing fees, and doesn't have their public image tarnished as being petty, stifling, or monopolistic.

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 8:00 PM 0

15. Kayle

Posts: 40; Member since: Jun 26, 2013

Still waiting for that public apology Apple :)

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 6:51 PM 2

13. VZWuser76

Posts: 4974; Member since: Mar 04, 2010

I wonder how much taxpayer money has been wasted on this BS.

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 4:47 PM 1

14. apple4never

Posts: 1064; Member since: May 08, 2013

a hell of a lot too much

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 5:33 PM 0

12. _Bone_

Posts: 2155; Member since: Oct 29, 2012

I'd like to get a figure of absolutely ridiculous amount of free press Samsung got over this case. Everybody and your grandmother learnt the Korean manufacturer's name, and that they have iPhone-matching products, Sammy sold more smartphones since the 1Bil verdict than in all the years before. There were days when local news channels, never covering tech news, were all over it, I mean the total worth of the Samsung name circulation must be at least $4-5Bil.

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 1:07 PM 2

10. PAPINYC

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

August 5th can't come soon enough, I am counting down the days until I am finally rid of iPhone 4 and iPad 2 aka iPhone 3G/4S and iPad "New" and "New Again", respectively. I will be in Times Square rejoicing: "free at last, free at last, thank iGod almighty we're free at last!"

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 11:53 AM 0

9. NexusKoolaid

Posts: 493; Member since: Oct 24, 2011

To ban or not to ban? That's an easy one... Apple and Sumsung lawyers should be BANNED from the courtroom.

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 11:34 AM 1

8. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

HOW BOUT DROP THE LAW SUIT. and get on with your lives

posted on Jul 16, 2013, 11:29 AM 2

6. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

Please don't change what has work since the beginning of economic. Everything compete in an open market. New economic are formed while some falls. Willing buyer happy seller.