That’s a good idea. Apple, with its cash horde, could undercut everyone making a smartphone built on Android, and still remain profitable in its other sectors. It’s what many successful companies have done (such as Amazon) to kill smaller/weaker companies off. If Apple lowered its margin to eliminate Samsung’s margins & other android makers’ margins, it would really upset the sales balance, and possibly force at least a few out of the business or oust a CEO or two out of their jobs.
That’s a good idea. Apple, with its cash horde, could undercut everyone making a smartphone built on Android, and still remain profitable in its other sectors. It’s what many successful companies have done (such as Amazon) to kill smaller/weaker companies off. If Apple lowered its margin to eliminate Samsung’s margins & other android makers’ margins, it would really upset the sales balance, and possibly force at least a few out of the business or oust a CEO or two out of their jobs.
Didn't you hear? Only Amazon is allowed to undercut its competitors. Apple will be investigated by the DOJ if Cook sneezes into a napkin instead of a tissue.
If you think LG is going to sue Apple, you're out of your mind.
@spamsandwich : why not? We now have a legal precedent that allows LG to take away Apple's entire iPhone profit for a small design infringement. That's more than LG's profit past several years (or perhaps a few decades). It's risky, but the potential payout is huge! Besides, it's not like Apple has elsewhere to go for display panels -- the Japanese are too busy closing down their shops and the Chinese aren't quite there yet.
Anyone an idea what the chances are of appealing a decision like this?
It can be appealed and will be, but first Appe can request the invalidation be re-examined. That can take several months and more than likely years: after the decision is deemed final, Apple can appeal to the Patent Board. And then take it to federal court, and finally to the U.S. Supreme Court. I remember reading that average time for a Patent Board decision is 18 months after filing. I imagine we'll be hearing about this patent (and others) for years to come unless they settle or Apple drops it. Both possibilities appear unlikely.
It can be appealed and will be, but first Appe can request the invalidation be re-examined. That can take several months and more than likely years: after the decision is deemed final, Apple can appeal to the Patent Board. And then take it to federal court, and finally to the U.S. Supreme Court. I remember reading that average time for a Patent Board decision is 18 months after filing. I imagine we'll be hearing about this patent (and others) for years to come unless they settle or Apple drops it. Both possibilities appear unlikely.
Samsung does not need litigation, it needs a brand. Apple does not need patents, it has a brand. In the last 8 years, the smartphone has become synonymous with the iPhone, much like "I'll have a cola" is synonymous with Coke. 9/10 millennials and others when offered a smartphone are going directly to an Apple store. Android, not really. Blackberry, never. It is not the design features, it just so happens that the iPhone has pulled off one of the greatest branding strategies in the history of business. Period.
Comments
http://fortune.com/2015/08/19/apple-patents-rounded-corners/
Certain individuals have been repeatedly posting false claims about the finality of the USPTO decision.
Further evidence that the USPTO decision is not final:
http://fortune.com/2015/08/19/apple-patents-rounded-corners/
Anyone an idea what the chances are of appealing a decision like this?
Oh, and one more general question:
Isn't the design also covered by a copyright, or registered design, independent of a patented design?
That’s a good idea. Apple, with its cash horde, could undercut everyone making a smartphone built on Android, and still remain profitable in its other sectors. It’s what many successful companies have done (such as Amazon) to kill smaller/weaker companies off. If Apple lowered its margin to eliminate Samsung’s margins & other android makers’ margins, it would really upset the sales balance, and possibly force at least a few out of the business or oust a CEO or two out of their jobs.
Didn't you hear? Only Amazon is allowed to undercut its competitors. Apple will be investigated by the DOJ if Cook sneezes into a napkin instead of a tissue.
If you think LG is going to sue Apple, you're out of your mind.
@spamsandwich : why not? We now have a legal precedent that allows LG to take away Apple's entire iPhone profit for a small design infringement. That's more than LG's profit past several years (or perhaps a few decades). It's risky, but the potential payout is huge! Besides, it's not like Apple has elsewhere to go for display panels -- the Japanese are too busy closing down their shops and the Chinese aren't quite there yet.
It can be appealed and will be, but first Appe can request the invalidation be re-examined. That can take several months and more than likely years: after the decision is deemed final, Apple can appeal to the Patent Board. And then take it to federal court, and finally to the U.S. Supreme Court. I remember reading that average time for a Patent Board decision is 18 months after filing. I imagine we'll be hearing about this patent (and others) for years to come unless they settle or Apple drops it. Both possibilities appear unlikely.
Thanks captain obvious. US law doesn't apply outside the US.
Right. LG PRADA
This is where I would add some additional information in white text, only visible to those who highlight or quote, but hey.