Apple Gets Galaxy Tab Banned In US

In case you haven’t been following the rather big patent dispute between Apple and Samsung over their respective tablet devices, let me fill you in. I also just recently started following it so don’t expect condescension for your ignorance. Apple’s argument is essentially that the physical design and appearance of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab is too similar to that of their iPad and this confuses customers. It’s a worldwide tiff that the two companies are in and Apple even went so far as to show side-by-side comparisons of the two devices to German courts to illustrate the similarities.

It gets rather complicated when you consider that Samsung both sells its own hardware and manufactures for other companies with Apple being one of those companies. Samsung has already been dealt the blow of bans in several countries with the latest hit being the very crucial US market.

A US District Court Judge of California ruled a preliminary injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 which bars it from being improted into the USA. Lucy Koh, who previously denied the injunction at the end of last year reversed her decision stating, “Apple’s interest in enforcing its patent rights is particularly strong because it has presented a strong case on the merits.”

Apple must put down a $2.6 million bond before the ban can be put into effect and should the injunction later be overturned, the bond will go to Samsung as compensation. Fortunately for Samsung, the Galaxy Tab 2 was released after the injunction request and so will not be affected by the ban.

I really didn’t see a substantial basis for Apple’s argument here until I realised that actually live in a world so morbidly idiotic that the fact that the two tablets look similar is a valid fear. That we live in an age where people are too mentally deficient to notice the difference between something with an apple on it and another thing with a the word “Samsung” in bold lettering is sad. I’m going to find a corner to curl up in while I cry for a bit.