Apple loses appeal in UK courts, still has to publicly state Samsung did not copy the iPad

After losing in court to Samsung in the UK this July, Apple was ordered to publicly state its rival didn't copy the iPad. It appealed the verdict, but the decision was upheld in court today, meaning Apple's punishment stands.

Back in July, Apple lost a court battle in the UK to ban the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab family of tablets, which it claimed infringed on its design patents. Judge Colin Briss took a dim view of Apple dragging Samsung’s name through the legal mud, and came up with a novel and particularly embarrassing punishment for the Cupertino company.

It was ordered to take out an advertisement in a selection of publications apologizing to Samsung, and stating that it did not copy the design of the iPad after all. Feasting on national humble pie was the least of Apple’s problems though, as the same apology would also have to appear on Apple’s own website, and it would have to stay there for six months.

The advert would also appear in the Financial Times, The Daily Mail and The Guardian newspapers, plus Mobile Magazine and T3 Magazine, all before page 6 and within 7 days of the decision. The Arial font size could be no smaller than 14pt, while on its website, 11pt would suffice, but it would also have to include a link to the judgment.

Apple appealed on the grounds that this would involve “public groveling,” and would interfere with the layout and design of its website, something it called “an important marketing tool.” A hearing was set for today, October 18, and the order was put on hold.

Decision upheld

Sadly for Apple, the decision and punishment has been upheld, however there have been a few changes. Looking through the official court document, you can see the original wording of the advert is suggested in section 64, which has now been amended in section 87. Apple’s statement must read:

“On 9th July 2012 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales ruled that Samsung Electronic (UK) Limited’s Galaxy Tablet Computers, namely the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Tab 8.9 and Tab 7.7 do not infringe Apple’s registered design No. 0000181607-0001. A copy of the full judgment of the High court is available on the following link. That Judgment has effect throughout the European Union and was upheld by the Court of Appeal. A copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment is available on the following link. There is no injunction in respect of the registered design in force anywhere in Europe.”

The order still applies to the newspapers and magazines, but the length of time the page must appear on Apple’s website has been reduced to a month. It’s also acceptable for Apple to hide the page away, and simply provide a link titled Samsung/Apple UK Judgment on the homepage.

Samsung told CNET UK that it welcomes the court’s decision, as it reaffirms its position “that our Galaxy Tab products do no infringe on Apple’s registered design right,” and that it “continues to believe” that Apple isn’t the “first to design a tablet with a rectangular shape and rounded corners.”

We’re waiting Apple…

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-to-publicly-state-samsung-did-not-copy-the-ipad/

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Nexus US injunction gets reversed

The injunction banning the sale of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the United States has been reversed by US appeals court. According to the decision, Apple could not present sufficient evidence, relating consumer demand for the Android smartphone to its universal search patent.

The injunction, banning the sale of the device was awarded to Apple back in June. The patent case itself was initiated in February.

Here goes Samsung's official statement on the matter:

"We welcome this reversal by the Federal Circuit, finding that the District Court abused its discretion in ordering a preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Nexus. Today's decision confirms that the role of patent law is to protect innovation and not to unreasonably stifle competition and restrict consumer choice. We will continue to take all appropriate measures to ensure the availability of our innovative products."

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_nexus_us_injunction_gets_reversed_-news-4935.php

Read More

Report: Apple ditched Google maps over turn-by-turn directions

Talks between Apple and Google broke down over voice-navigation

Much has been made about Apple's decision to eschew Google's map app that had been a default feature of iOS until the release of iOS 6.

Apple's replacement, Maps, has suffered its fair share of criticisms in the early going, and Google has since moved on to improving their maps for Android.

The split between the two companies wasn't always meant to be though, according to sources close to the matter.

In fact, the latest reports found the departure of Google maps from iOS came down to a dispute over the inclusion of just one feature.

Voice-directed navigation

One of the key differences between the versions of Google's map app is the exclusivity of voice-directed turn-by-turn navigation on Android devices.

AllThingsD's sources claimed Apple wanted that feature included in an updated iOS version of the app, however Google wasn't about to give away one of its defining features for free.

These same sources said a deal between the two companies could not be reached once Apple found out Google wanted more say in the development of the iOS app.

Google also reportedly wanted to include Google Latitude, but Apple balked at the idea, purportedly shunning Google for wanting to gather so much user data.

That's a deal-breaker

Apple had been acquiring mapping companies before these negotiations with Google broke down, but only fast-tracked their own app once they realized a deal could not be reached.

One source close to the discussions told AllThingsD other factors were involved in the decision, but the lack of voice-navigation was the breaking point.

"There were a number of issues inflaming negotiations, but voice navigation was the biggest," the source said. "Ultimately, it was a deal-breaker."

Navigating a compromise

Despite Maps poor first impression, Apple still may have made out better than Google.

The loss of all those iPhone users previously using Google's app could end up being just as big a disappointment for Google.

It's estimated Google may have lost some 100 million users dependent on their maps with the upgrade to iOS 6.

While Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt did say the company wasn't working on an iOS 6 version of their map app, he did seem open to the idea of working with Apple.

"We want them to be our partner. We welcome that," Schmidt told investors earlier this week.

Whether the two companies can come to an agreement at this point seems unlikely, but it's still not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

TechRadar has reached out to both Google and Apple, and will update this story if and when they return requests for a comment.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/report-apple-ditched-google-maps-over-turn-by-turn-directions-1100048

Read More

Sony and Nokia should be 'applauded' for dual-core phones, says ARM

Sony Xperia T - dual-core and proud of it

Sony and Nokia's decision to push dual-core processors in its flagship phone should be applauded, according to ARM.

Although flagship 'superphones' from the likes of HTC and Samsung have made a big deal about their quad-core processors, Sony and Nokia have insisted that there are advantages to a dual-core instead.

That was clear from the marketing around the Sony's latest offering - the Sony Xperia T, which was unveiled at IFA 2012.

It is also a route Nokia is taking with its latest flagship, the Nokia Lumia 920.

ARM's chip designs obviously cater for any approach the manufacturers wish to take, and the British company believes that differing decisions are a great aid to innovation.

Different horses, same courses

"What you are seeing in the marketplace through these discussions is that system on a chip vendors are taking different approaches to delivering performance," ARM's director of mobile solutions, Laurence Bryant, explained to TechRadar.

"Some companies think that a dual core is the best solution, other companies are going with quad core or a four plus one as Nvidia has done with the Tegra.

"We applaud them all. That diversity is what gives you the innovation in the market place.

"We're not going to sit and judge - we work closely with the partners but it's up to them what IP to take from us to deliver compelling products into the marketplace."

Not tick boxes

Although the processor speed remains to the fore in the way phones are sold to consumers, Bryant believes that the focus on features and not specs is laudable.

"I like the way in which the smartphone market has emerged and that it's about features and what the device can do for you and not about the tick box of tech beneath it," he added.

TechRadar pointed out that ARM itself suffered from a lack of focus about what went into a phone, perhaps not getting the credit it is due for the sheer number of phones that its designs feature in.

"That's the inherent problem in terms of perception," said Bryant. "But ARM believes in its business model of offering great IP to the great vendors which create this innovation.

"ARM is proud of its position and the products and proud to be associated with the great success of its partners."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-and-nokia-should-be-applauded-for-dual-core-phones-says-arm-1094870

Read More