Apple and Samsung’s Business Relationship Might Come to an End – TSMC May Be Replacing Samsung

We are well aware of the legal wars waged by Apple against Samsung. They are currently fighting a legal battle over patent disputes. Specifically, Apple first accused Samsung of copying its iPhone and iPad design, claiming this clearly be seen in Samsung Android smartphones and tablets. Samsung has submitted a counter charge, claiming that it was Apple who is guilty of trademark infringement. Despite their legal debacles, the two technology giants have still maintained a good business relationship. The Korean technology giant remains the Cupertino firm’s biggest supplier of chips and displays, while Apple remains Samsung’s biggest client. This is why we were led to believe that the two industry leaders would no longer be at loggerheads with each other and opt for an out of court settlement. This relationship could, however, come to an end. There are reports that suggest Apple is opting to acquire the services of TSMC (Taiwan SemiConductor Manufacturing Company) for supplying it with A6 chips. 

Currently, Samsung supplies Apple with the A5 chip, which can be found on the highly popular iPhone 5 and the groundbreaking iPad 2. Losing Apple as a client may be a multi-billion dollar loss, since next generation iPhones and iPads are expected to sell much better than their predecessors. Regardless of the rumor, Apple is still using the Korean manufacturer’s displays and memory on iDevices. Their business relationship may not completely come to an end. However, it is highly possible that Apple is currently looking for alternative manufacturers to replace Samsung.

This change in suppliers will be a major blow to Samsung and, at the same time, a huge gain for TSMC. Although a feasible scenario, take this news with a grain of salt. There is no way to know for sure not unless Apple makes it official or when the next generation iDevices finally ship.

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Category Hardware News |

US Federal Judge Lucy Koh Refuses Samsungs Request to Access Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 3

Samsung’s request to access Apple’s future devices such as the ipad 3 and iPhone 5 has been denied by US Federal Judge Lucy Koh. The Judge said that the Korean manufacturer had no legal right to access the said products. 

This came after Apple’s request to see Samsung’s future devices were granted. Samsung wanted to see if Apple’s future devices infringed on any of its patents. However, the Judge did say that Samsung will have the opportunity to dispute the said devices, once they have been released.

The Judge said, “Samsung is free to argue, for instance, that there is little likelihood of confusion because consumers will not encounter its products side-by-side with the iPhone 4 or iPad 2, but rather with Apple’s next generation iPhone and iPad.”

Judge Koh added, “Similarly, as to proximity, Samsung is free to argue that because the iPhone 4 and iPhone 2 will soon be outmoded and reduced in price, they are not being sold (or very soon will not be sold) to the same class of purchasers who are likely to buy new Samsung products.”

“By choosing to allege infringement only of its current products, Apple opens itself up to these arguments.”

It has been rumored that both parties will opt for an out of court settlement. However, the details are still sketchy. Furthermore, we still do not know who will pay who.

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Category Phone News |

At Last – Apple vs. Samsung Legal Battle May Come To an End

The legal battle between the Cupertino firm Apple and the Korea-based Samsung have been going on for a while now. Apple has accused Samsung of copying its trademark design, and Samsung has accused Apple of doing the same. Smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Ace and the iPhone 4 and tablets such as the Galaxy Tab and the iPad were compared. The case has been going back and forth, and none of them seems to be backing down from the fight. However, according to a rumor, both parties might choose to settle outside of court. 

If you remember, Apple has recently lost a legal battle with Nokia, agreeing to pay the Finnish phone manufacturer a substantial bulk amount coupled with annual royalties. It makes sense for Nokia and Apple to butt heads, since both are competitors. However, this current legal debacle with Samsung makes no sense at all.

Regardless of whose side you’re on, let’s face it, Samsung is one of the Cupertino firm’s biggest suppliers. It delivers more than $5.7 billion worth of parts to Apple. Apple would lose a lot if it didn’t settle this dispute with Samsung. With the demand of their smartphones and tablets, Apple cannot afford to lose one of its biggest suppliers.

Apple’s lawyer suggests that both parties are considering an out of court settlement. However, the attorney failed to elaborate on the details. This developed after both parties requested the US Federal Court to order both parties to present their future devices.

Apple’s request was granted, but Samsung’s future devices have already been announced. Samsung’s request is still pending, and Apple’s next generation iPhones and iPads are still being kept a secret. The point here is, Apple has everything to lose. First of all, Judge Lucy Koh did not endorse Apple trademark infringement claims, despite ordering Samsung to present its future devices, which was no secret anyway. Apple is still tight-lipped about its future handsets and tablet. If these devices bear any resemblance to Samsung’s announced devices, it is Apple who will be in trouble.

Despite these facts, there is no way of telling who will pay who. In fact, we may never find out.

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Category Phone News |