Apple and Samsung End Patent War: In politics, tension is heating up. However, in technology, things are just starting to settle down.
On Wednesday, Apple and Samsung ended their smartphone patent war, one that had lasted the past seven years. For perspective, the patent war between Apple and Samsung was longer than the War of 1812.
Apple and Samsung End Patent War: The Facts
In 2011, Apple sued Samsung for stealing the design of its most popular product, the iPhone. This kicked off a long and winding road full of trials and countersuits. In 2016, Apple and Samsung took it to the Supreme Court.
This was a highly watched case. In fact, it’s the most prominent case in suits over smartphone patents the world has seen over the past ten years. And now it’s over.
While Apple is recorded as winning the war on paper, Brian J. Love, a law professor who followed the case closely, said: “it didn’t really accomplish anything.”
Love is right. Countless hours – and years – were put into this case, and yet, at the end of the day, “no products went off the market.”
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That said, I’m sure Apple and Samsung are glad it’s over—win or lose.
How Did People React?
People are saying that Apple is walking away with trivial profits, and that mentality is reflected in the Apple stock (NASDAQ:AAPL).
At closing, according to Google Finance, Apple was trading at $184.16. This means the stock was down 0.15% at closing.
As for Samsung (KRX:005930), the actual loser of the case, the stock was last seen trading up 2.02% on the KRX, according to Google Finance. The stock was also up on the LON exchange.
Strange how that works, isn’t it?
Apple and Samsung End Patent War: The Takeaway
How do you feel about the news of Apple and Samsung ending the patent war? After 7 years, I would suspect that many feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
Featured Image: twitter
