US Court Holds Samsung Infringes Apple Software Copyright

A U.S. court ruled in favor of Apple Inc. in its patent battle with Samsung Electronics Co. and ordered the South Korean company to stop using software in the U.S. that helps mobile phones infringe on those patents.

Samsung has to stop making, using, selling, developing or designing software or code that helps its products infringe on three patents. Those inventions cover mobile-phone features such as autocorrect, slide-to-unlock and data detection, according to the order by the U.S. District Court in San Jose.

The two smartphone giants have pursued legal cases against each other around the world, claiming that the other’s devices infringed on their own patents.

In 2014, the two settled to drop all cases except two lodged in the federal court in California that issued Monday’s order. The court’s ruling affects software or code used in older Samsung models such as the Galaxy S II, S III and Note smartphones. (This ruling too may result in another settlement between the two majors).

The ability to block use of an invention is a powerful tool that increases the price tag when the creator negotiates settlements.

Samsung tried unsuccessfully to get that appeals court decision overturned. Google Inc., HTC Corp., LG Electronics Inc. and Rackspace Hosting Inc. backed Samsung in its arguments, arguing that a victory for Apple could allow patent owners to unfairly leverage their intellectual property for competitive gain.

Enforcement of the order will begin in 30 days, the court said.

The years-long disputes between the rivals — and business partners — centered on software-design features that have become second nature to many mobile users, from swiping to unlock a sleeping device to automatic correction of typos in messages. While the injunction covers older models, Apple can go back to the judge and argue that Samsung’s newer devices still infringe on its patents.

Apple and Samsung ship about a third of the world’s smartphones combined, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Apple devices also use chips and displays made by Samsung.

The latest ruling involves Apple v. Samsung, 12cv630, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San Jose).