Samsung has been denied permission to see the prototypes of new Apple products, including those of the iPhone 5 and the iPad 3. The legal battle between the two smartphone giants took an interesting turn when U.S. district Judge Lucy Koh denied the request of Samsung to see its rival’s prototypes, saying that Samsung’s request is “over the line.”
Samsung made no secrets as they gave away thousands of Galaxy Tab 10.1s to all the attendees of the Google I/O. On the other hand, Apple is yet to announce the iPhone 5 and the iPad 3. So, the difference between the two companies is that Apple is secretive about their products’ prototypes and Samsung is not.
Apple requested for the release of Samsung’s prototypes to make sure their rival is not violating any trademarks or patents in their devices. In return, Samsung said they wanted to see the prototypes of the Apple products to stay away from future legal threats.
Judge Koh said that comparing the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the iPad 3 was not appropriate. She hinted that the court may not grant an injunction against US sales of Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy S II if Samsung doesn’t work with Apple to make sure that they will not be violating patents in the iPhone 5 or the iPad.
The case could go for a long time if an injuction is not issued, eventually ending up with a fine. There is also a possibility that Judge Koh hints that it would be better if the two companies settle out of court and end the whole thing.
