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The never-ending tit-for-tat court battle between Apple and Samsung took another unexpected turn today, with Apple winning a complete retail ban on Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus handset in the US.
The new ban comes in the same week as Apple won a US retail ban on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10. 1 tablet.
Two of the largest consumer electronics corporations are waging patent war through the courts, accusing each other of patent violations as they compete for control of the mobile market.
Apple has waged a patent war since 2010 to try and limit the growth of Google’s Android system, the world’s most-used mobile operating system. Opponents of Apple claim the Cupertino company it is using patents too aggressively in a bid to stamp out competition and consumer choice.
Apple won the temporary injunction against the device back in February, alleging the handset infringed upon the iPhone’s interllectual property. That claim has now been upheld by a California court.
Once again Apple has to pay a bond worth $96m to cover any losses Samsung might incur if the ban is overturned in the future.
Judge Lucy Koh explained her reasoning behind upholding the bans.
“Although Samsung will necessarily be harmed by being forced to withdraw its product from the market before the merits can be determined after a full trial, the harm faced by Apple absent an injunction is greater” she said.
“Apple’s interest in enforcing its patent rights is particularly strong because it has presented a strong case on the merits.”
It’s not good news for Google as the handset is the centre-piece of their Android operating system, especially as it was the first handset to come with the company’s flagship Ice Cream Sandwich software.
The Nexus device boasts the purest version of Android on any handset currently available, as it’s not skinned by the manufacturer like with HTC phones with their Sense skin.
Samsung spokesman Adam Yates said: “Samsung is disappointed, as the court’s decision will restrict U.S. consumer choice in the smartphone market.
“We will take all available measures, including legal action, to ensure the Galaxy Nexus remains available to consumers.”
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