Samsung Requests to See HTC/Apple Agreement - The UpStream

Samsung's legal battle with Apple didn't quite go the way they expected, and looks like it might get worse in the future. But wait, what's this? Apple settled their suit with HTC by offering a licensing deal? But they said in the Samsung trial that they do not license their highly specialized patents - the same ones that they settled with HTC to license. That seems to suggest they may have lied to the court in order to cripple Samsung, Apple's biggest competitor.

I am apparently not the only one to think something fishy is going on as Samsung's legal team has filed a formal request to see the license agreement Apple signed with HTC. The deal seems to allow for patent sharing between the companies, including present and future patents, for a period of 10 years. Samsung's legal team is concerned that, among the patents licensed, are for some of those unique patents that Apple claims to never offer licensing. If that is the case, Samsung has enough ammunition to fight off the latest round of suits from Apple, as well as possibly overturn the initial ruling in appeals.

Robert Becher, Samsung's legal representative, said,

As you know, the issue of Apple's willingness to license its patents was briefed in Samsung's opposition to Apple's motion for permanent injunction. This license has direct bearing on the question of irreparable harm and whether monetary remedies are adequate.

Sounds like Samsung wants, not only to get their money back, but to get some of Apple's in return. This case just got a whole lot more interesting, even after a ruling already being handed down. I look forward to seeing how this settles out.