Apple is making sure that it leaves no stone unturned in eliminating Samsung products from the world's largest mobile market, the US, following a striking victory in a patent battle on Friday.
On the other hand, the South Korean electronic power house is not yet ready to concede defeat, as it plans to challenge the verdict of US District Court. It said it will take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of its products in the US market.
"Certainly, we are very disappointed by the verdict at the US District Court for the Northern District of California (NDCA), and it is regrettable that the verdict has caused concern amongst our employees, as well as our loyal customers," Samsung said in a statement.
"However, the judge's final ruling remains, along with a number of other procedures. We will continue to do our utmost until our arguments have been accepted," the company added.
Meanwhile, Apple couldn't have asked for anything more after the US bench ruled in its favour ahead of the imminent release of its eagerly awaited smartphone - iPhone 5. Presently, Apple is working on to have some of Samsung's products be taken off shelves, so it could strengthen its position when the new iPhone is finally up for grabs.
The Cupertino giant is reportedly planning to unveil the fifth-iteration of the device on Sept 12. It's also speculated that it would also begin taking pre-orders for the smartphone on the same day.
Touted as the world's most valuable company, Apple wasted no time in identifying eight older model smartphones including the Galaxy S2 and Droid Charge as its targets. While Apple's lawsuit encompassed 28 devices, many of those accused products are no longer widely available in the world's largest mobile market.
Although Samsung's flagship Galaxy S3 phone was not included in the trial, the jury validated Apple's patents on features and design elements that the US company could then try to wield against that device. Apple may not have to seek a new trial over the S3, but can include it in a "contempt proceeding" that moves much faster, according to legal experts.
In a significant blow to Samsung Electronics, the US bench in San Jose courtroom found the Galaxy maker guilty of violation of intellectual property after arriving at the conclusion that it had infringed on Apple's patent.
Samsung and Apple, of which both control more than half of the world's mobile markets, are engaged in a serious legal pursuit against each other to gain supremacy in the industry. Samsung and Apple have filed several patent cases in various countries.
Samsung said the Apple chose to go to court over the negotiations over the patent issues, while refusing to accept the former's proposal for talks. "We have had little choice but to counter-sue, so that we can protect our company," said the Korean technology major.
Commenting on the latest US court ruling, Samsung accused Apple that "its primary means to competition has been the outright abuse of patent law, not the pursuit of innovation."
"We trust that the consumers and the market will side with those who prioritize innovation over litigation, and we will prove this beyond doubt," Samsung said.
(With inputs From Reuters)
