Judge Wants Global Peace Treaty To End Apple Vs. Samsung Nuclear Patent War
The ongoing legal battles between Apple and Samsung were rather entertaining early on, now it’s like watching two school children fight over who was first to own the latest pair of trendy sneakers. Even the judges presiding over the cases are beginning to lose their patience. As the pair continue to fight it out in the U.S. district court of Northern California this week, Judge Lucy Koh has made a plea for “global peace.”
Judge Koh is reviewing the $1.05 billion verdict issued against Samsung back in August. Apple is hoping to see a ban on the sale of a number of Samsung devices that the jury deemed were guilty of infringng the Cupertino company’s patents. Samsung, on the other hand, wants to see the damages against it reduced — or a new trial.
Meanwhile, the pair have a number of other cases against each other ongoing around the world.
TechCrunch reports that Judge Koh has now made a plea for “global peace” between the two consumer electronics giants. “If there is any way this court can facilitate some sort of resolution, I’d like to do that,” she said. “I think it would be good for consumers and good for the industry.”
The BBC reports that Samsung’s arguments on Thursday called into question the jury’s calculations when it determined the amount the Korean company must pay in damages. Apple urged Judge Koh not to probe the jury’s reasoning on a device-by-device basis, but Koh replied: ”I don’t see how you can look at the aggregate verdict without looking at the pieces put together to make that verdict.”
”If there is a basis to uphold the damages award, by the record, then I am going to uphold it. But I think it is appropriate to do analysis by-product.”
Apple wants to see the damages increased by more than $500 million, calling the $1.05 million billion fine a “slap on the wrist” for Samsung. It also wants to see eight of Samsung’s devices banned and removed from sale in the U.S.
Conversely, Samsung has long accused jury foreman Velvin Hogan of misconduct, highlighting that he did not disclose previous litigation with Samsung-owned Seagate. Samsung is calling for a retrial as a result of that, but many believe that bid isn’t likely to gain much traction.
- ViaTechCrunch