Samsung won’t be able use footage from ’2001: A Space Odyssey’ as evidence in trial against Apple

I’m no lawyer, but what’s the deal with Judge Lucy Koh? First she rules that Samsung is unable to use evidence that clearly shows they were working on designs that resembled the iPhone back in 2006, and now she ruled that Samsung can’t use footage from the movie, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

As you know “2001: A Space Odyssey” features a tablet well before the iPad was even thought of let alone designed. I assume the reason why Koh keeps refusing these exhibits is because this case isn’t about refuting Apple’s patents. It’s on whether Samsung infringed on them or not. The fact that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office should have or shouldn’t have granted these patents is not on the table.

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Sprint Galaxy Nexus update removes local search function

As reported earlier today, Sprint began rolling out an update for the Galaxy Nexus phone. Likely requiring a few days to reach all devices, the update modifies the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), adds support for Sprint TV, and adjusts LTE settings to default to “on.” The update does a little more than that though – it removes local search capability.
For those jumping into the saga at this point, the local search capability refers to the ability to search contacts or files on the phone using the same search box one would use to do a search of the web. This capability has become the focus of a legal battle involving Apple, who obtained a preliminary injunction blocking sales of the Galaxy Nexus.  The solution for carriers and the manufacturer, Samsung, has been to disable local search until the litigation is resolved.
Followers of the lawsuit are probably not surprised by this move by Sprint. They may be surprised that Sprint did not disclose this part of the update.

Source: Android Central

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Apple gets a stay on publicly admitting that Samsung didn’t copy the iPad

Remember last week when we told you that UK judge Colin Birss ordered Apple to post on their UK website that Samsung didn’t copy the iPad? I knew it had to be too good to be true because just like that Apple was granted a stay. Apple was not only supposed to post this on their website for a period of six months, but also had to advertise it in British newspapers and magazines. Apple argued that they didn’t want to advertise for Samsung and the stay was granted.
What does this mean? Well it doesn’t mean that Apple is out of the water, but they won’t have to do anything till at least October when the appeal will be heard. I will be shocked if Judge Colin Birss’ earlier decision holds up, but am hopeful.

Source: businessweek

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Samsung Rolls Out New Update For International Version Of The Galaxy S III, Quietly Removes Local Search Function In The Process

Hot off the heels of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus fiasco, it seems as if Apple has indirectly had its way again, this time seen in a recent OTA update for the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S III (I9300 model). Following suit of the Stateside models from carriers like AT&T and Sprint, reports are coming in that Samsung is pushing out an update which includes the new software version is known as XXBLG6, while the baseband included is identified as XXLG6 for the international model. In addition, OTA on the smartphone identifies itself as a “stability update”, but reports indicate the update also removes local (on device) search functions within the phone’s built-in Google Search app. It’s a bummer, I know.
While the update seems to have removed one of the most underrated functions seen in the Galaxy S III, there is no doubt the dev community will be working on a mod or hack to bring the feature back. Still, it is a major, major disappointment for the few people who did take advantage of the cool feature.
The 27MB update is available now through OTA or Kies Desktop software so I9300 users can grab it anytime now. Or of course— you can just hold off on it and you know, keep the local search feature for a little while longer.

Source: XDA

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Judge Richard Posner: There Are Too Many Patents In America

Tired of all these various conflicts involving patents here in the U.S.? Well, you’re not alone. After dismissing a frivolous suit from Apple against Motorola and expressing his unhappiness on the matter shortly after, Judge Richard Posner recently wrote an opinion expressing his complete and utter disdain of the U.S Patent system. Posner argues:

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Apple, Samsung Trade Jabs Over Galaxy Nexus

An update from the never ending Samsung vs. Apple saga….
Samsung has won its request to expedite its appeal of the preliminary injunction that Apple won against the Galaxy Nexus.  Samsung needs to file a brief with the court, then Apple has until the end of the month to respond.

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Immediate Stay of Galaxy Tab 10.1 Injunction Denied By Federal Circuit

Last week, Samsung motioned to stay the preliminary injunction of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but Judge Lucy Koh denied the request. Samsung then appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in hopes of stay at the federal level.

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Apple Files Counterclaim Against HTC, Claims Abuse Of 4G/LTE Patents

Apple has launched yet another offensive against its Android counterparts, this time filing a counterclaim in the Eastern District of Virginia court. This counterclaim lawsuit was filed in response against HTC, which recently filed a complaint in the ITC against Apple.

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