The ongoing legal battle between Samsung and Apple has taken a new turn as the Korean manufacturer has decided to drop its patent-infringement lawsuit against the iPhone maker in the U.S. Samsung alleged that Apple has infringed on several patents, including use of wireless radios and technologies for improved battery life, but it is dropping that particular case in order to streamline its legal efforts.
The lawsuit was a response to Apple’s own lawsuit claiming Samsung had copied the iPhone and iPad line with the Galaxy S series of smartphones and tablet computers. Apple also brought legal action to Samsung’s shores when it filed a suit against the company in South Korea last month.
Despite the legal fight between the two companies, they will remain in business as Apple relies on Samsung for many of the components for its mobile devices. However, neither is backing down on the action. Samsung representative Nam Ki Yung said that his company “will continue to actively defend and protect our intellectual property.”
Lawsuits between hardware and software manufacturers often end in settlements and stifled innovation, but since Apple and Samsung have agreed to remain partners in business during the legal proceedings, it doesn’t seem like that will be the case.
[Via: Bloomberg]