Advertisement

Samsung-Apple phone patent dispute heads to Supreme Court

The Apple iPhone 4s, left, is displayed next to the Samsung Galaxy S III. The Supreme Court is to review a dispute over smartphone features for which Apple holds patents: the flat screen, the rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rim and a screen of icons.

The Apple iPhone 4s, left, is displayed next to the Samsung Galaxy S III. The Supreme Court is to review a dispute over smartphone features for which Apple holds patents: the flat screen, the rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rim and a screen of icons.

(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Share

The Supreme Court has agreed to referee a pricey patent dispute between Samsung and Apple.

The justices said Monday they will review a $399-million judgment against South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co. for illegally copying patented aspects of the look of Apple Inc.’s iPhone.

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

Advertisement

Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., and Samsung are the top two manufacturers of smartphones. The two companies have been embroiled in patent fights for years.

The justices will decide whether a court can order Samsung to pay Apple every penny it made from the phones at issue, even though the disputed features are a tiny part of the product.

The federal appeals court in Washington that hears patent cases ruled for Apple.

None of the earlier-generation Galaxy and other Samsung phones involved in the lawsuit remain on the market, Samsung said.

The case involved common smartphone features for which Apple holds patents: the flat screen, the rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rim and a screen of icons.

SIGN UP for the free California Inc. business newsletter >>

The case, Samsung v. Apple, 15-777, is to be argued in the court’s new term that begins in October.

MORE FROM TECHNOLOGY

There’s a secret basketball game going on via Facebook Messenger

Santa Monica firm says it has found a way to salt away electricity, literally

Obama administration’s OK means Airbnb can open its Cuba bookings to all travelers

Advertisement