Samsung and Apple share a rather turbulent relationship. The Korean electronics giant has frequently filed patent lawsuits against the Cupertino-based company – and vice-versa – in the increasingly competitive mobile markets.
It would seem strange in the circumstances then, that the pair actually work together on various projects in order to bring many of the technologies we know and love. The iPad, for instance, has its screens produced in part by Samsung, which means despite the friction, they both still manage to do amicable business.
With the lawsuits exchanged as quickly as copies of Modern Warfare 3, though, both have distanced themselves from each other, with Apple reported to be keeping Sharp on standby to produce screens for the next-gen iPad, opening the door through which Samsung could be pushed at any time.
The suits – as ever – circle on innovation. A lot of finger pointing and accusations fly around in the executive blame game. If we were to compile a timeline of each and every case, you’d spend a great deal of time scrolling.
The most recent installment sees Samsung dropping plans to pursue the fruit company for wireless technology infringements on home turf, instead focusing on other suits worldwide, which as already stated, are aplenty. The main aim of this suit was to block the iPhone 4S sales in Korea.
The scoop comes from an anonymous Samsung exec, who reckons the company is better off focusing its energies on the world stage whilst still maintaining a positive company image in the eyes of its compatriots.
Up until recently, Apple had been the protagonist in the patent story, dishing suits out like confetti. With Samsung, upon request, unable to see what’s in store with the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 though, the LCD specialist has since gone on the offensive, fighting Apple at its own game.
Competition is good – and not only keeps technology at a peak level across the board, but also stops potential dictatorship of how we use our devices. In addition, it is rather entertaining to see just how agitated – often hypocritical – company honchos can be when talking of ‘stolen’ ideas.
Having said that, we’d like to think that companies could be rivals whilst maintaining a professional image and an ability to work alongside each other in certain areas, wouldn’t we?
(via Engadget)
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