Apple Can't Ban Samsung Devices in the US

Score one for Samsung: Apple’s massive patent offensive has hit a snag in the US, where the courts have decided that Samsung can keep selling its devices.

Apple moved to block the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy line of products back in April for doing irreparable damage to Apple’s business. The thinking was that the Galaxy line of devices were so similar to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad that consumers might mistake one for another.

And while it is true that Samsung’s offerings do have a remarkable similar design to iOS devices, US courts couldn’t see that case of mistaken identity occurring. Specifically, the judge declared "it is not clear that an injunction on Samsung's accused devices would prevent Apple from being irreparably harmed."

It is important to note, however, that the court’s decision doesn’t mean that Samsung is not violating patents. The ruling only means that the court thinks that banning the products won’t help Apple.

An Ongoing Battle

The patent battle between Samsung and Apple has grown to enormous proportions. With over 20 suits in several different countries, the two companies have provided plenty of fuel for those who feel we need patent law reform. It has gotten so bad that the European Union has been considering fining both companies for failing to compete.

Back in 2010, both companies went to the table to try and resolve their differences of legal opinions. As I reported earlier, Apple even offered Samsung access to some patents as part of the settlement. But the talks collapsed and led to the massive conflict we have today. This is war as companies wage it.

So far, Samsung has been losing most of its cases. But the company seems to feel that it still has a strong case, as it has started as many suits as Apple has. In a few months, it could be Apple that is being backed into a corner instead of Samsung.

Either way, this conflict is bad for you. The less companies compete and the more they use the law as a stick to bludgeon each other with, the more innovation and competition is stifled.

engadget