Google: Apple v Samsung Verdict Not a Problem for Us

Following Apple’s courtroom win over Samsung in their patent infringement trial, Google has released a statement with its own take on what the jury’s findings mean for the company and other Android OS device makers. The short version: It’s no big deal.

Google’s brief statement reads:

The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims. Most of these don’t relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.

A jury on Friday said that several of Samsung’s Android OS-based smartphones infringed on Apple-owned patents and went so far as to award Apple US$1.049 billion in damages. Samsung fared far worse with the jury saying Apple didn’t infringe on any of its patents and didn’t award the company any damages.

Google: Apple win isn't that big of a dealGoogle: Apple win isn’t that big of a deal

While Google gives the appearance that it isn’t overly concerned about the ruling, odds are the company is watching close to see how the injunction phase of the trial plays out next month, as well as any appeals that will no doubt land in the court’s lap. With this victory in its pocket, Apple is in a stronger position to take on other Android device makers, and potentially even Google.

Apple and Samsung also released their own statements following the trial. The iPhone and iPad maker said, “At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy.”

Samsung was clearly disappointed with the jury’s findings. “Today’s verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies,” the company said.

Apple and Samsung will face each other in court again in September for a preliminary injunction hearing where Apple is expected to ask Judge Lucy Koh to impose a ban on the import and sale for Samsung products that were found to infringe on its patents.

[Thanks to The Verge for the heads up on Google’s statement.]