Apple v. Samsung: The Cage Match Begins

摘要

Copycat or competitor? A U.S. jury's choice of descriptor for Samsung Electronics will determine whether Apple defeats its Korean rival in the global patent war's biggest battle yet. For two years, Apple has fought with other mobile device makers in courts on four continents. On July 31, the Apple litigation juggernaut went before a U.S. jury for the first time in the federal courthouse in San Jose, Calif., a short drive from Apple's Cupertino headquarters. Seeking $2.5 billion in damages, Apple has accused Samsung of unlawfully imitating the design and software of its iPhone and iPad. "As we all know, it's easier to copy than to innovate," Harold McElhinny, Apple's lead trial lawyer, told jurors in his opening argument.