February 10, 2014 13:03
Samsung looks increasingly likely to lose a patent legal battle with Apple in California as a local district court is preparing to give its final verdict.
The Northern District Court of California San Jose last Friday rejected requests filed by both companies for additional deliberation. That means the examination of the evidence has been completed and a final verdict is expected next month.
In previous trials, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple US$930 million in damages.
The focus is now on a possible last-minute settlement. The CEOs of both companies are set to discuss the dispute by Feb. 19 as recommended by the presiding judge, with Samsung mobile business chief Shin Jong-kyun meeting Apple CEO Tim Cook.
If a dramatic settlement is reached, the court battle will come to an end, but a breakdown in the talks would lead to a prolonged legal battle since both sides are expected to appeal.
A new trial involving other Samsung products not covered in this case, including the Galaxy S3 smartphone, starts in late March.
- Copyright © Chosunilbo & Chosun.com