Samsung Appeals Apple Patent Infringement Case to the United States Supreme Court

Samsung has filed an appeal with the United States Supreme Court requesting a re-examinaition of the patent infringement lawsuit against Apple. Samsung not only argues that the verdict of the patent case was incorrect, it also argues that outdated patent laws must be reconsidered and fixed.

Samsung claims that the jury in this case wasn't given enough information about how to understand design patents (contrary to utility patents, where the judge instructs the jury on how to interpret the patent). Samsung is also arguing against the way the patent damages are calculated, noting that a company can sue to recover the other party's profits.

“Samsung is escalating this case because it believes that the way the laws were interpreted is not in line with modern times,” it said in a statement. “If the current legal precedent stands, it could diminish innovation, stifle competition, pave the way for design patent troll litigation and negatively impact the economy and consumers.”


While Samsung has already paid Apple $548 million in damages, the company did reserve the right to obtain reimbursement if any judgements are reversed. Last year, Samsung and Apple agreed to end all patent litigation outside of the United States

The Supreme Court is not expected to decide whether or not it will take Samsung's case until February; however, if the case is heard, it would certainly have major implications on design patents and how technology companies use them.

Should the Supreme Court refuse to hear Samsung's appeal, then the previous court's decision stands and Samsung would not be able to "seek reimbursement" for its $548 million payment.

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