Apple scored a major victory in court today against Samsung. And it extends beyond the $1.05 billion in damages the jury awarded the company for Samsung infringing on various Apple software patents. Any company that makes an Android phone should be feeling nervous right about now. In fact, they might want to consider ditching Android for Windows Phone.
"The jury found that user interface elements can be patented, and Samsung knowingly infringed on them – this should bolster Apple’s case against Samsung and other Android licensees elsewhere," said Avi Greengart, research director for consumer devices at Current Analysis.
"If Google doesn’t succeed in blunting Apple’s IP with the patents it bought through the Motorola acquisition, Microsoft could be the big winner, Greengart continued. "Google distributes Android for free, but the IP licensing costs – from Apple lawsuits and Microsoft’s successful IP licensing business – are getting quite expensive. If you’re already paying Microsoft to build an Android phone, why not just build a Windows Phone?"
There's no question that Windows Phone needs all the help it can get in terms of market share. And Samsung, which already makes Windows Phone devices, may have just given Microsoft's chances a much bigger boost than anything Nokia may be announcing next week.
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