This weekend’s $1.049 billion reward to Apple in the Apple vs. Samsung patent lawsuit was a definitive statement from the jury both that Apple’s patents are fully valid, and that Samsung is guilty of violating them. Samsung and Apple have issued responses to the verdict, but one party widely considered to be the real target of the lawsuit has only just weighed in.
Google this week issued a statement about the case, saying that, basically, it won’t stop developing Android over fear that it might infringe Apple patents. The statement was made to The Verge, and it insinuates that the Samsung verdict has little to do with the Android OS:
The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims. Most of these don’t relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.
It’s clear that Google believes at least some of Apple’s patents are not valid, and that the ruling against Samsung will change in the appeals process.
For their parts, Apple and Samsung’s responses were predictable. Samsung lamented the patent laws of the U.S. and how they can be used to stifle competition. Apple took the high road, though it still managed to twist the knife a bit. An Apple spokesperson framed the verdict as about Apple’s “values” of originality and innovation, rather than patents.
Even if this verdict withstands the appeals process, its likely that Samsung might consider the expense of the trial and verdict worth it. Over the past year, Samsung has managed to emerge as the foremost Android handset manufacturer – and Apple’s largest competitor.