Samsung Agrees To Pay Apple $548 Million Over Smartphone Patents (theverge.com)

An anonymous reader writes: After years of legal wrangling over smartphone patents, Apple and Samsung appear to have reached an agreement. The two companies released a joint statement (PDF) saying Samsung will pay Apple $548 million before December 14th. Apple must send them an invoice before they'll pay. It's not a complete stand-down; even their agreement contains disagreement. "The statement notes that Samsung 'continues to reserve all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple,' although in the same document, Apple disputes these rights. ... Not only does the joint statement reserve Samsung's right to take some of this money back in any future cases, but this summer, the South Korean company announced it would be requesting a U.S. Supreme Court review of its legal case." At the very least, it's a big step toward resolving the mountain of patent issues between the companies.

Comments

Another win for Apple

[Anonymous Coward]

Glad to see this pioneering and innovative company is finally getting paid for all their hard work.

Samsung should try doing something *original* instead of *stealing* from the genius that is Apple. Quite honestly, they got off easy with this settlement. Samsung should be out of business for such despicable practices.

Re:Well

[Anonymous Coward]

They didn't kill it. They renamed the program and moved it out of public scrutiny like they have with every other illegal program that's been "killed".

I can already see it

[Rik Sweeney]

Apple: "That'll teach you to infringe our patents. Now give us the money."
Samsung: "Fine, here you go."
(Hands over check for $548 million)
Apple: "Thanks. Oh, by the way, how is the manufacturing of our new processors coming along?"
Samsung: "Oh, erm... Our running costs have gone up, so we're going to have to pass the increase onto you, I'm afraid."
Apple: "How much has it gone up by?"
Samsung: "$548 million"
Apple: "Fine, here you go."
(Returns check)

Samsung and Apple's Plan to Evade Taxes

[PopeRatzo]

I'm starting to get the notion that these patent lawsuits are a way for big multinationals to further dodge taxes. Not only are civil penalties often deductible, but civil awards are very often not taxable.

So, it's sue me, sue you and can you scratch a little lower on my back, please.

Re:Samsung and Apple's Plan to Evade Taxes

[Carewolf]

I'm starting to get the notion that these patent lawsuits are a way for big multinationals to further dodge taxes. Not only are civil penalties often deductible, but civil awards are very often not taxable.

If true that would be insane, especially if it also applies to settlements. Companies could just always pay eachother with settlements.

incredible waste of resources

[DriveDog]

I seriously doubt that intelligent people outside of the patent/legal profession would think any of either of their patents hold any merit. The best invention would be a way to send a message back to those who originally created patent law and tell them how ridiculous, abused, and twisted it is all going to become, so write it very carefully and define it very narrowly.

Re:incredible waste of resources

[cdrudge]

Why would those that created patent law care? The creators likely were the same group of people that ultimately represented plaintiffs and defendants in patent lawsuit. They created guaranteed continual employment for themselves and for generations to come.

Re:incredible waste of resources

[thegarbz]

Hey this case alone has kept thousands of lawyers, judges, legal aids, interns, office assistance, and expert witnesses employed for many years.

Won't someone think of the jobs!

Re:incredible waste of resources

[rsborg]

I seriously doubt that intelligent people outside of the patent/legal profession would think any of either of their patents hold any merit. The best invention would be a way to send a message back to those who originally created patent law and tell them how ridiculous, abused, and twisted it is all going to become, so write it very carefully and define it very narrowly.

While the current patent legislation is insane, take a look at all those who benefit from it. You can always see who wants things *they way they are going* by following the money.

Big corporations, big banks, multinational law firms and their cronies in legislative and judicial branches all prefer the situation as it stands now.

Re:Multiple source

[fnj]

Guys, guys, it's not TSCM and it's not TMSC. It's TSMC. Sheesh.