Could the ridiculous patent wars between Apple and Samsung finally be over? The answer is yes/maybe/almost. Samsung submitted documents to the court agreeing to pay Apple $548 million to settle the ancient (in mobile tech years) patent dispute for copying iPhone features and functions.
There is one caveat that means this may not be the final final ending to this story. Samsung made it clear in their court filing that they reserve the right to ask for any and all of the settlement money back if any future ruling regarding the patents should potentially change the outcome. Here's a quote with a few more details,
"Samsung continues to reserve all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple and/or payment by Apple of all amounts required to be paid as taxes. […] Samsung further reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise, including as a result of any proceedings before the USPTO addressing the patents at issue or as a result of any petition for writ of certiorari filed with the Supreme Court. Samsung notes that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board has issued a final decision of invalidity on the ‘915 Patent, and Apple filed a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit in the USPTO last week."
Despite the back door refund potential, it looks like we are seeing the bookend in sight to the stupid patent wars. Feel free to breathe a sigh of relief now... probably.
Source: Foss Patents
