Apple Vs. Samsung: Google Says It Will Fight For 'Innovation' After Damages Decision

Google Blasts Apple Decision
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Google has responded to the $1bn in damages awarded to Apple in its patent battle with Samsung by saying it opposes anything that hinders innovation.

Apple won the latest stage in its long-running fight with Samsung over the design of the iPhone and elements of its operating system late on Friday.

A Californian jury found that Samsung "wilfully copied" elements of the iPhone's design, including its 'bounce-back' feature when a user reaches the bottom of a screen.

Google, which makes the Android mobile operating system on which most of Samsung's phones are based, said it would continue to work with partners to innovate on new products.

In a statement it said:

"The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims," it said.

"Most of these don't relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office.

"The mobile industry is moving fast and all players - including newcomers - are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We continue to work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don't want anything to limit that."

It has been argued by some analysts that phone makers may start to move towards Microsoft's rival Windows 8 mobile OS after the decision, in an effort to avoid further litigation.

Nokia, which makes Windows devices, saw its own shares rise 7.7% on Monday.

Apple was awarded just under half the $2.5bn in damages it had sought, after the jury also found Samsung had copied elements of the iPhone's design. The jury did not award the full amount, because it found Samsung had not copied the iPad in the design of its Galaxy Tab devices.

After the decision Apple said it would seek bans on the sale of eight Samsung phones at a hearing in September, and later listed the devices it hopes will be withdrawn:

  • Galaxy S 4G
  • Galaxy S2 (AT&T, Skyrocket, T-Mobile model, Epic 4G)
  • Galaxy S Showcase
  • Droid Charge
  • Galaxy Prevail.

Samsung has said it intends to appeal the decision and will fight to keep its phones on sale.