Apple Gives Samsung a Breather on Galaxy S III Mini Patent Claims

[Michael Essany]

It must be "opposite day" at Apple. In an uncommon series of events unfolding Friday, Apple is backing off of patent claims against tech rival Samsung regarding the Galaxy S III Mini.

To be fair, however, Samsung was the first to blink in this latest skirmish between the two smartphone super-powers. Court documents indicate that Apple is relinquishing its patent claims against Samsung's Galaxy S III Mini smartphone... but the decision comes after the company confirmed it has no intention of importing and selling the device in the U.S.

Samsung began selling the Mini in Europe two months ago. But in its filing on Friday in a U.S. District Court, Apple attested to having been able to purchase the Mini from Amazon.com (in the U.S.) and have it shipped and delivered to the U.S.

Samsung responded by asserting that it is not "making, using, selling, offering to sell or importing the Galaxy S III Mini in the United States." As a result, Apple withdrew its patent claims on the Mini "so long as the current withdrawal will not prejudice Apple's ability later to accuse the Galaxy S III Mini if the factual circumstances change."

Source: Chicago Tribune

[iLoveWindows&iPhone]

Is Samsung seriously using Mini?? I know Apple didn't create the word Mini...but they did use it to name their smaller tablet, and now Samsung is too?? U would think at some point, Samsung would want to stop looking like they are copying Apple, regardless of whether or not they actually are.

[Anonymous]

Is Samsung seriously using Mini?? I know Apple didn't create the word Mini...but they did use it to name their smaller tablet, and now Samsung is too?? U would think at some point, Samsung would want to stop looking like they are copying Apple, regardless of whether or not they actually are.

"Mini" was also used when Apple introduced their smaller, more affordable computer, the Mac mini.

[iH85CH001]

"Mini" was also used when Apple introduced their smaller, more affordable computer, the Mac mini.

True... Very true...

[norfskate]

And the old iPod mini

[docmagoo2]

technically BMW who produce Mini cars could also jump on the bandwagon....

[iLoveWindows&iPhone]

technically BMW who produce Mini cars could also jump on the bandwagon....

That's not the point. The point is public perception will see it as Samsung once again following Apple's lead, now copying Apples name after already copying everything else. Any innovation Samsung brings with the device would be overlooked and overshadowed...As a example... I think of Gameloft. Imagine they came out with a completely new game, not a blatant copy. But instead of giving it a original name, they named it "Craft: War of Worlds". Doing so would cause people to believe it was just another Gameloft clone.

[jOnGarrett]

Is Samsung seriously using Mini?? I know Apple didn't create the word Mini...but they did use it to name their smaller tablet, and now Samsung is too?? U would think at some point, Samsung would want to stop looking like they are copying Apple, regardless of whether or not they actually are.

are you seriously asking that question? Samsung used mini on their phone not a tablet and thy did so before apple did. no wonder apple behaves the way they do--look at their fan base.

[thazsar]

are you seriously asking that question? Samsung used mini on their phone not a tablet and thy did so before apple did. no wonder apple behaves the way they do--look at their fan base.

You've gotta be somewhat realistic here. Despite it being a phone, tablet, PC, etc.; the word 'mini' (in the electronics realm) has been associated w/ Apple products. Can you honestly tell me that if Samsung used the term 'mini' to describe one of their devices that it wouldn't seem like they copied Apple?

C'mon, man...if Apple named their product iPad S III you'd be up in arms about Apple copying a name. We know you're an Apple hater but you have to be discerning at some point...

[Jj2345]

Samsung has a smart tv,lets see if apple gets a smart tv Aswell :-)

[littlelisa63]

Samsung has a smart tv,lets see if apple gets a smart tv Aswell :-)

They'll proberly name it the apple smarter tv lol

Wouldn't surprise me if Samsung named the phone galaxy 4s

[Norb]

are you seriously asking that question? Samsung used mini on their phone not a tablet and thy did so before apple did. no wonder apple behaves the way they do--look at their fan base.

Hey your back... you're that guy that needs to be around people he doesn't like to feel complete. Grandma's basement lonely? Can't find friends to talk about things you actually like? Ok we'll let you pretend like you matter here... you're welcome anytime to vent all your frustrations.

[jOnGarrett]

You've gotta be somewhat realistic here. Despite it being a phone, tablet, PC, etc.; the word 'mini' (in the electronics realm) has been associated w/ Apple products. Can you honestly tell me that if Samsung used the term 'mini' to describe one of their devices that it wouldn't seem like they copied Apple?

C'mon, man...if Apple named their product iPad S III you'd be up in arms about Apple copying a name. We know you're an Apple hater but you have to be discerning at some point...

So you're saying no manufacturer has ever, ever used the term mini before apple did? if ever I'm an apple hater it would be more correct to say that Im an apple fan hater, I simply hate ignorance--and product worship which most apple fans tend to be.

there were smart phones, tablets, mobile apps, app stores, media players are more a decade before apple was a household name but you never hear anybody say apple copied all those things unless its in response to some apple fan boy's ignorance. then apple calls a smaller version of a device mini and any other company is now somehow copying apple.

[thazsar]

So you're saying no manufacturer has ever, ever used the term mini before apple did? if ever I'm an apple hater it would be more correct to say that Im an apple fan hater, I simply hate ignorance--and product worship which most apple fans tend to be.

there were smart phones, tablets, mobile apps, app stores, media players are more a decade before apple was a household name but you never hear anybody say apple copied all those things unless its in response to some apple fan boy's ignorance. then apple calls a smaller version of a device mini and any other company is now somehow copying apple.

That's where you misunderstood... I didn't say that the term 'mini' has never been used to describe a product; I am trying to relay to you that the public perception of 'mini' (in regards to electronics) makes them think, Apple!

For Samsung, LG, etc. to start using 'mini' to describe one of their products would seem, to the public, like those companies were copying Apple. I'm not taking sides w/ Apple, just stating public perception...

Does that make sense or does my 'fanboyism' blind you from reading & thinking clearly???

[Norb]

That's where you misunderstood... I didn't say that the term 'mini' has never been used to describe a product; I am trying to relay to you that the public perception of 'mini' (in regards to electronics) makes them think, Apple!

For Samsung, LG, etc. to start using 'mini' to describe one of their products would seem, to the public, like those companies were copying Apple. I'm not taking sides w/ Apple, just stating public perception...

Does that make sense or does my 'fanboyism' blind you from reading & thinking clearly???

Funny he is calling anyone a fanboy...

[DuRoLuRo]

That's where you misunderstood... I didn't say that the term 'mini' has never been used to describe a product; I am trying to relay to you that the public perception of 'mini' (in regards to electronics) makes them think, Apple!

For Samsung, LG, etc. to start using 'mini' to describe one of their products would seem, to the public, like those companies were copying Apple. I'm not taking sides w/ Apple, just stating public perception...

Does that make sense or does my 'fanboyism' blind you from reading & thinking clearly???

So if I make a good chocolate cake, and someone else comes up with a different recipe for chocolate cake, they're copying me?
That is so retarded! You know what. Just try and replace the word "mini" with "cupcake" and then look at how stupid your comments are