If you thought that the ongoing Samsung-Apple patent drama could not get any uglier, then you’re wrong. Apple is now demanding emergency sanctions against Samsung for leaking ‘evidence to the press.’
Yesterday Samsung issued a statement to certain sections of the media along with two slides showing that the iPhone design idea originated from Sony.
Judge Lucy Koh— who is presiding over the high-profile trial taking place in San Jose, California — is not too happy with this action on the part of the South-Korean giant and had asked their legal team to file a brief explaining who drafted the statement, and which person from Samsung’s legal team had authorised its release to the press.
Samsung’s letter said that it had done nothing wrong in releasing the information to the media, because it was already in the public domain.
“Contrary to the representations Apple’s counsel made to this Court, Samsung did not issue a general press release and more importantly, did not violate any Court Order or any legal or ethical standards,” said the letter.
“Samsung’s brief statement and transmission of public materials in response to press inquiries was not motivated by or designed to influence jurors. The members of the jury had already been selected at the time of the statement and the transmission of these public exhibits, and had been specifically instructed not to read any form of media relating to this case.”
So what has Apple alleged in their statement? According to CNet, Apple’s letter to judge Lucy Koh says that Samsung’s explanations for the press leak are inadequate.
Apple says Samsung’s explanation is inadequate. AP
Apple’s legal team lead by William Lee wrote in a response letter,
“Mr. Quinn’s declaration does not adress two of the Court’s questions: who drafted the statement and who released it. Samsung’s multiple references to the jury in its statement make plain its intent that the jurors in our case learn of arguments the Court has excluded through the press.”
As a result of Samsung’s acts, Apple wants emergency sanctions against the South-Korean firm. If Samsung do lose this one, their smartphones and tablets could be banned through-out the US.
