The iPad mini is set to become the latest cast member in ongoing soap opera lawsuit between Apple and Samsung.
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Samsung has swung back after the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean were added to the Cupertino giant’s list of infringing patents, requesting that the latest iPad mini and fourth generation iPads should also be added to its list of products, according to AppleInsider.
Taking it even further, the fourth generation iPad and fifth generation iPod will also be in the mix. The Korean tech company argues that these devices infringe on two of its cellular UMTS wireless patents. The iPod Touch it says copies areas to do with the volume control mechanisms on a portable media playing device. The deadline for new additions is today 23 November. With the US celebrating Thanksgiving yesterday, was it almost a case of “the quiet before the storm”?
And with the trail only set for 2014, there could still be a lot more added. There is still a long way to go, and over the last couple of months, both tech giants have searched for the smallest of infringements to add to its respective lawsuits.
Apple has even received new patents relating to the physical design of a tablet (a rectangle with round corners) and the page turn action.
In its motion, Samsung said:
“Good cause exists to amend Samsung’s contentions because Apple’s new products were not yet available when Samsung submitted its original contentions on June 15, 2012 or its first Motion to supplement its infringement contentions on October 1, 2012”, adding that “the iPod Touch 5, iPad 4, and iPad Mini have the same accused functionality as the versions of the iPod Touch and iPad that are already part of this case. As such, the proof of infringement of the patents-in-suit by the iPod Touch 5, iPad 4, and iPad Mini will be substantially the same as for other Apple devices already accused of infringement in this litigation.”
Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal words to Apple, when he allowed it to add the iPhone 5 seem almost prophetic now: “Given the early stage of this litigation and the reasoning of this order, the court notes that Apple should think twice before opposing similar amendments reflecting other newly released products — e.g. the iPad 4 and iPad mini — that Samsung may propose in the near future.”
