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Apple patent verdict: the companies react

Apple says the verdict sends a "loud and clear message that copying is wrong", while Samsung thinks customers are the ones who'll suffer.

Joe Svetlik Reporter
Joe has been writing about consumer tech for nearly seven years now, but his liking for all things shiny goes back to the Gameboy he received aged eight (and that he still plays on at family gatherings, much to the annoyance of his parents). His pride and joy is an Infocus projector, whose 80-inch picture elevates movie nights to a whole new level.
Joe Svetlik
2 min read

The verdict is in, and so are the reactions from both Apple and Samsung. Apple is understandably chuffed at being awarded more than $1bn from its arch rival, but insists this is more about values than the money.

Samsung, meanwhile, isn't best pleased, and says the verdict will hurt the consumer in the end. We've got both statements in full after the break.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook, celebrating his first anniversary as head of the company, had this to say:

"We are grateful to the jury for their service and for investing the time to listen to our story and we were thrilled to be able to finally tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trial showed that Samsung's copying went far deeper than even we knew. The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were about much more than patents or money. They were about values.

"At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy. We applaud the court for finding Samsung's behaviour wilful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn't right."

Samsung's statement says:

"Today's verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies.

"Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products. This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple's claims. Samsung will continue to innovate and offer choices for the consumer."

Which do you think is closer to the truth? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.