In the latest chapter of the Apple vs. Samsung court battles, Samsung argued on Thursday that the permanent injunction Apple is seeking could have long-lasting repercussions for the South Korean tech firm.
According to in-court reports from Reuters, Samsung attorney Kathleen Sullivan said a permanent sales ban against older devices would allow Apple to immediately level claims against newer products which are not yet part of the suit.
Sullivan also argued to U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh that such an injunction would affect future dealings with carriers, thereby impacting Samsung’s ability to compete in the smartphone market.
“An injunction would create fear and uncertainty for the carriers and retailers with whom Samsung has very important customer relationships,” Sullivan said.
Apple counsel William Lee responded by reminding the court that a trial jury had found Samsung to have infringed on Apple’s patents. As that arguably led to lost sales, Lee said the only remedy is an injunction.
Judge Koh had previously denied Apple’s request for an injunction. However, Apple’s successful appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit led to the case being returned to Judge Koh’s court. She is now hearing the arguments as part of the ever-lasting gobstopper that is the Apple vs. Samsung patent battle.
