Samsung has already lost to Apple regarding claims that they violated Apple’s patents, with a jury declaring that they indeed ripped off many of Apple’s iPhone design elements (twice – 1, 2!). They’ve even lost big time in their own homeland of South Korea. One would think Samsung would take note and start coming up with their own ideas…but according to a new report from The Information, Samsung’s photocopiers are just getting warmed up.
According to the latest report, Samsung has now hired one of Apple’s key retail store designers, Tim Grudgel, and is likely preparing to launch their own line of retail stores. Which is completely original, and which nobody has ever thought of – especially not certain “fruit company”.
From The Wall Street Journal, citing The Information:
Samsung said Tim Gudgel, who has played a role in designing Apple’s stylish retail outlets, joined the company this month as a vice president and general manager of retail-sales operations. Samsung didn’t elaborate further on Gudgel’s responsibilities.
The hire, earlier reported by The Information, calls attention to Samsung’s retail strategy. While Samsung has a few retail shops overseas, including in its home market of South Korea, its U.S. retail presence is limited to a partnership with Best BuyBBY -1.22%. The retailer allots space within its stores for “Samsung Experience” shops, where customers can try out Samsung’s smartphones and other devices.
[…] Among Gudgel’s accomplishments at Apple, he was a designer on a patent filing for the curved glass roof of the Apple store on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Shameless. Just STOP, Samsung! You are seriously just embarrassing yourselves at this point. It’s not like there’s really any question that you’ve ripped of Apple’s designs…
