Apple and Samsung are arguably the two biggest mobile and most innovative companies in the world. In addition, both companies are from countries that are politically powerful and technologically savvy. While Apple is from the United States of America, Samsung is from Korea.
Curiously, Apple and Samsung are sworn enemies when it comes to the business of mobile phones. It is an inexhaustive rat race to outwit and outshine each other in order to scoop a large chunk of the market. Little wonder, both companies are always in and out of court either in the USA or in Korea accusing each other of one patent/design infringements or the other.
Apple Vs Samsung dispute timeline according to Daily mail, Uk
- In 2010, Apple began by suing Samsung, but the Korean firm counter-sued just days later.
- Apple then secured an injunction to restrict sales of Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Europe.
- In July 2012, Apple was told to publicly state that Samsung had not copied its designs, but in August 2012, Apple won $1 billion in damages. These damages were dropped from $1 billion to $800 million.
Presently, Samsung is battling Apple in the court to upturn a $120 million fine for infringing three patents according to Reuters as the court banned some selected old Samsung phones.
So why are both companies always at each other’s jugular? Here are few reasons why.
- Competition
Many entrepreneurs will tell you that competition is good. It ensures that businesses are always on their toes because any minute lapses will result in their competition taking over. Hence, there is no need to shy away from competition. Since Apple and Samsung are global companies, competition is inevitable. Both companies are on a massive onslaught to find new markets for their products and both can undoubtedly boast of innovative products. Thus, different tactics are crafted to sabotage each other.
- Innovation Schizophrenia or Dementia
Apple and Samsung are always innovating. From Apple’s trendy iPhone series to stylish Samsung tabs and Galaxy, they are not remote from each other when it comes to innovation. However, there comes a period when ideas begin to dissipate then you have no choice than to snoop on your competitor. In other words, they must be suffering from innovation schizophrenia or dementia. This is why some features in Samsung, can be found in an iPhone and vice versa.
- Protect Markets
The biggest companies in the world are no doubt domiciled in the USA. The government in as much as they do not own these companies, ensure that they protect them from liquidation, competition, and industrial espionage. Recall, how the US government bailed out Citi Group, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford? The reaction to the hacking of Sony? They do everything to protect their own. Now, a US court has banned some selected Samsung phones. They protect their market using their enormous political might.
- Apple’s knack for ‘trouble’
Apple has a knack to viciously ‘go’ for their competitor or opponent. This practice was institutionalized by Steve Jobs and continued by Tim Cook. In 2013, Apple faced more lawsuit than any company-59 times. In the first half of last year, Apple was sued 35 times while Samsung faced 33 separate cases of patent infringement.
- No Clear definition on patent and design
The battle between Apple and Samsung stems from the fact there has been no faultless definition of patent or design rules. How do you know either Apple or Samsung infringed on each other’s patent or designs? This why “legal experts, non-profit organizations, and technology companies have filed amicus or friends of the court briefs in support of Samsung, urging the US Supreme Court to consider the patent-infringement case. They want the highest court to better define design patents and limit damages that can be awarded” according to Cnet. Dell, Google, HP, Facebook, and eBay submitted the brief.
