Apple CEO Tim Cook apparently didn't want the company to follow a path of legal fighting with Samsung over patent infringement, unlike his predecessor Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs went "thermonuclear" against Samsung after the company started making mobile devices that closely resembled the iPhone and iPad, but Mr. Cook was worried that the move would have a negative impact on parts supplies for Apple's own devices.
Apple CEO Tim Cook didn't want court room fight with Samsung
Mr. Cook was Apple's CFO when the company chose to fight Samsung in court and insider sources say he raised concerns to Mr. Jobs about the potential ramifications, according to Reuters. Samsung has been a key supplier of flash memory for Apple products, and manufactures Apple's custom processors found in the iPad and iPhone.
Mr. Jobs's decision to square off against Samsung in courtrooms around the world has led to friction between the companies, but apparently not to the extent that it could be. Legal insiders claim that outside of the courtroom the companies seem to be getting along, most likely because of their shared business interests.
Apple and Samsung have, however, been fighting in courts around the world where they have attempted to block the sale of each other's products over patent infringement claims. Apple's highest profile win so far was in the United States where a Federal jury ruled it hadn't infringed on Samsung's patents, while at the same time ruling that Samsung had infringed on a long list of Apple patents. That case won Apple over US$1 billion in damages.
Apple has branched out and is now sourcing some of its flash memory from other suppliers, and has scaled back Samsung's involvement in its processor design and manufacturing process.
Mr. Cook may be able to avoid at least some future litigation with competitors, but for now he has to deal with the ongoing fight with Samsung. The two companies still have cases against each other in several countries, plus they have both filed appeals against the rulings they lost.
For now, Mr. Cook will have to continue dealing with Samsung in court, just as Mr. Jobs wanted.