Today, a San Jose, California federal court trial begins between Apple and Samsung. Each technology giant is claiming the other stole their patented technology in their mobile devices.
Apple vs. Samsung. The battle between smartphone giants has begun. At issue is whether Samsung stole Apple's patents when it came out with its line of mobile devices or whether apple ripped off Samsung's intellectual property to create its iPhone and iPad.
IPhone and iPad users are all familiar with the "pinch-to-zoom" functionality on their devices. This is just one of the design details that Apple claims Samsung stole."
Big tech patent litigation is common--but this battle is crucial. And it's being waged around the world.
"Both these companies view their mobile devices as their future. It's making up a huge and ever increasing part of their revenue stream. And really represents the next generation of computing, so anything they can do to get an edge is enormous, " notes Josh Lowensohn, staff writer for CNET.com.
Experts say technology patent cases are inherently difficult to judge.
"Today there is very little that is truly revolutionary that comes out of nowhere," says Robin Feldman, professor of law at UC Hastings School of Law. "Most things build on the technology that has come before. There are also millions of patents out there and so one can often look and find something out there and say, well this is what you took your idea from."
Depending on who wins, you could be paying more for your smartphone with fewer models to choose from.
(Kara Tsuboi, CNET.com for CBS News)
Apple vs. Samsung. The battle between smartphone giants has begun. At issue is whether Samsung stole Apple's patents when it came out with its line of mobile devices or whether apple ripped off Samsung's intellectual property to create its iPhone and iPad.
IPhone and iPad users are all familiar with the "pinch-to-zoom" functionality on their devices. This is just one of the design details that Apple claims Samsung stole."
Big tech patent litigation is common--but this battle is crucial. And it's being waged around the world.
"Both these companies view their mobile devices as their future. It's making up a huge and ever increasing part of their revenue stream. And really represents the next generation of computing, so anything they can do to get an edge is enormous, " notes Josh Lowensohn, staff writer for CNET.com.
Experts say technology patent cases are inherently difficult to judge.
"Today there is very little that is truly revolutionary that comes out of nowhere," says Robin Feldman, professor of law at UC Hastings School of Law. "Most things build on the technology that has come before. There are also millions of patents out there and so one can often look and find something out there and say, well this is what you took your idea from."
Depending on who wins, you could be paying more for your smartphone with fewer models to choose from.
(Kara Tsuboi, CNET.com for CBS News)
