Apple has long been criticized for not going directly after Android maker Google as opposed to the companies manufacturing Android hardware (such as HTC and Samsung). While some of Apple's complaints relate to device design, some of its claims relate to functions enabled by the Android operating system, but taking on Google is no small feat, even if it the company is your number one competitor.
On Friday, a jury came out in favor of Apple in a parent suit against Samsung. The Cupertino-based company was awarded $1.051 billion USD in damages for its troubles. Seven Apple patents total spanning physical and software were in question, including pinch-to-zoom and 'bounce back' (the visual effect when you scroll to the bottom of a list). Today Google commented on Friday's ruling, highlighting the fact that there will be appeals and adding that the patent claims included in the suit don't relate to 'the core Android OS.' Check out the full statement from Google (via The Verge) below.
The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims. Most of these don't relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don't want anything to limit that.
Meanwhile Samsung has also said that Friday's ruling won't be the last of the Apple/Samsung courtroom drama. Speaking via a recently published internal memo, the company said it trusted customers and the market would side with those who prioritize innovation over litigation. The company accused Apple of abusing the patent system and warned that such behavior would not win over the hearts of consumers.
"History has shown there has yet to be a company that has won the hearts and minds of consumers and achieved continuous growth, when its primary means to competition has been the outright abuse of patent law, not the pursuit of innovation," the memo reads.
In an official statement published on August 24, Samsung said:
"This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple's claims."
