The patent battle between tech heavyweights Samsung and Apple was a big deal in many ways. Will it drastically change the landscape of consumer electronics as we know it? How will it affect the fallen titan Microsoft and other manufacturers who intend to compete with Apple? There are so many aspects to the case that is downright controversial, including a questionable jury, the nature of patents, and the overall U.S. justice system.
Like many things in this great age of technology, it's very easy to fall into biases and preconceived notions. There is no doubt the outcome of the Apple and Samsung debacle will affect the consumers and the industry in general. Each and every person on the Internet out there has every right to vent for/against either party. Forums and news sites are rife with cat-and-dog fights about how evil Apple/Samsung is and how badly one behaves over the other. It's easy to get swayed with the weight of the remarks and comments online. The discussions around the Internet the last few days have ranged from incredibly well-informed and intelligent to spats that degenerated to name-calling (which reminded me of the good old days when Apple and Microsoft users digitally slapped each other in the message boards). It's great to see some energy being put to use that isn't relevant to the elections and global economic downturn - the EU, Greece, Gu Kailai, China, Syria, and Obama should be thankful there's something else to be talk about.
I wish I could side with either camp just so I can join in the heated discussion. Although I have an iPad and an iPod Touch, I've never tried any of Samsung's phones or tablets. I'd love to say I have a law degree and understand the nuances of patent law and the U.S. jury system, but I don't. Clearly, I don't have a deep insightful view of the trial nor do I have a strong opinion for either company in the same way I don't have an opinion of Prince Harry's nude photos.
I do know one thing. Apple and Samsung both make great products. It's too bad one has to fall to the other. Moreover, as a future consumer of either company (hopefully!), the legal battle between the two will not impact the industry's progress negatively - tech regression is horrible. Like Church and State, technology should always function independently and move forward, unimpeded and unsullied.
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