Apple patent case may prompt more lawsuits

Experts say Apple winning its lawsuit against Samsung over patent violations could mean more lawsuits against other smartphone manufacturers in the future. On Friday, a jury found that Samsung Electronics Co. had infringed on six of Apple's patents for mobile devices and awarded Apple $1 billion for theft of intellectual property., the Los Angeles Times reported. "The smartphone patent wars are taking place in many courts in this country, and all over the world," said Rutgers University law professor Michael A. Carrier, adding that this decision, however, was a landmark. "This is the first time that the court has found that one of these manufacturers has infringed patents of a company like Apple," Carrier said. "So it really is pivotal, because Samsung is the leading manufacturer of smartphones in the U.S. today." Technology analyst Colin Gillis of BGC Financial said the decision might discourage new smartphone makers from entering the market. Gillis noted that Internet giant Amazon.com is set to make a big announcement on Sept. 6, which has sparked rumors of new products. "When Amazon does its big event in September, is it going to be a phone?" said Gillis. "Because if it's a phone, they're going to be sued probably on Sept. 7; no joke."