Apple says Samsung 'copied' iPad in spiteful non-apology
Apple's notice explains Samsung's tablets don't infringe on its design patents, but goes on to brag about legal victories elsewhere.
Apple's has issued its court-ordered public notice declaring Samsung did not infringe upon its design patents. But if you were hoping to see Apple munching on some humble pie, prepare to be disappointed.
The not-so-contrite statement can be found in a link at the very bottom of Apple's home page that reads 'Samsung/Apple UK judgement'.
The statement itself starts well. "On 9th July 2012 the High Court of Justice of England and Wales ruled that Samsung Electronic (UK) Limited's Galaxy Tablet Computer, namely the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Tab 8.9 and Tab 7.7 do not infringe Apple's registered design No. 0000181607-0001."
Further down, Apple is at pains to point out the judge's comments that Samsung's own tablets weren't as "cool" as Apple's own. "They do not have the same understated and extreme simplicity which is possessed by the Apple design," the judge commented at the time. "They are not as cool."
"However," Apple's sparse, logo-free statement goes on to say, "in a case tried in Germany regarding the same patent, the court found that Samsung engaged in unfair competition by copying the iPad design.
"A US jury also found Samsung guilty of infringing on Apple's design and utility patents," the aggressive non-apology continues, "Awarding over one billion US dollars in damages to Apple Inc."
"So," Apple bitterly concludes, "while the UK court did not find Samsung guilty of infringement, other courts have recognized that in the course of creating its Galaxy tablet, Samsung willfully copied Apple's far more popular iPad."
Crikey. It looks like Apple is far from ready to put this legal battle to bed. It turns out our 'artist's rendering' of Apple's apology was closer to the truth than we'd thought...
The notice is also due to appear in national newspapers, but we couldn't find a mention in the Guardian today. Keep a weather eye out, folks, and let us know if you spot any sour-grapes reparations in the papers.
What do you think of Apple's statement? Were you expecting anything different? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
