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Google Warned Samsung Galaxy Tab Was "Too Similar"

Posted by timothy on from the word-to-the-wise dept.

tlhIngan writes "Some interesting news has come out of Apple's filings against Samsung. First, Google warned Samsung that their 'P1' (Galaxy Tab) and 'P3' (Galaxy Tab 10.1) tablets were 'too similar' to the iPad. In addition, Samsung's own Product Design Group note it was 'regrettable' that the Galaxy S 'looks similar' to the iPhone. Finally, how designers at a Samsung-sponsored evaluation noted the Galaxy S 'copied the iPhone too much' and 'innovation is needed.' Of course, Samsung has some ammunition of its own, including how Apple copied Sony's designs. In unrelated news, Judge Grewal has sanctioned Samsung for not preserving emails from automatic deletion, even after litigation has begun."

3 of 251 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's a rectangle. by SilenceBE · · Score: 5, Informative

    The problem is that people aren't aware that the discussions isn't about rectangles or even round corners. It is just a cheap trick to make ridicule about a "contender" or something/somebody that we hate, just to give the impression that they are the weaker party.

    The problem is that those lawsuits aren't about rectangles or corners and that it is a bit more detailed then that and also much broader.

    Really in all honestly I can't really look at the total package of Samsung tablet offering without having the feeling that they clearly looked for inspiration to some of Apple offerings. You can debate all day long about how stupid is that companies can "patent" designs, but you really must be blind what the source of inspiration was for some things. Look at Samsung Kies for example.

    If you take some steps backs and forget about the rectangle stuff and see it in more detail and especially as whole package, the fact that Google warned Samsung that it was to similar may be not that stupid after all.

    Then again this is slashdot an this may be the same like "cursing in a church" but hey... .

  2. Re:So they look alike. It's called "form factor." by cyber-vandal · · Score: 5, Informative

    Apart from LG who announced this blatant iPhone ripoff in December 2006, a month before the first iPhone was announced.

  3. Re:Why are people obsessing with rounded corners? by chrb · · Score: 5, Informative

    Apple's internal emails apparently show that they copied Sony's designs.

    Found the details. Apple’s iPhone Has Sony Style, Says Samsung (Full Trial Brief). The emails show an iPhone designer being instructed to create a "Sony-like" design, the initial CAD drawings he created even had the Sony logo on. The emails then show the existing iPhone design being abandoned for the new "Sony" design, and the Apple designer has given sworn testimony that his "Sony-style" design changed the course of the project and led to the final iPhone design.