Samsung, Apple s win is a loss for buyers

Samsung said on Friday the massive patent decision by a US jury in favour of Apple was a "loss for the American consumer", and the verdict was "not the final word in this case."

"Today's verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer," the South Korean electronics firm said after news of the $1 billion patent infringement award by a California jury.

"It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies."

News reports from the courtroom said Apple was awarded $1.05 billion for infringement of patents for its iconic iPhone and iPad and that Samsung's counterclaims of infringement of wireless patents were rejected.

Samsung said, "Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products. This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple's claims."

"Samsung will continue to innovate and offer choices for the consumer," the statement said.