We’ve all heard about the jury’s verdict in a landmark intellectual property case ruled in favor of Apple to the tune of over $1 billion dollars. While this is a win for the innovation giant it will most likely be a loss for consumers.
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While yes, I agree that the innovation Apple introduced and the patents they hold for the iPhone, are theirs legally. However, in my opinion the ruling will most likely lead to less innovation and fewer choices for those looking for a new wireless device. There’s something to be said for giving consumers choice. And, let’s face it, fewer choices lead to higher prices.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone and I am looking forward to upgrading to the iPhone 5. But having spent 15 years in the wireless industry, I was curious around the “buzz” on the verdict so I started doing some research on the ruling and reading opinions on how this verdict could affect consumers and handset manufacturers.
What I found, not surprisingly, was this ruling most likely will not only affect Samsung’s pocketbook, but it could affect other handset manufacturers producing Android devices, which in turn affects Google’s bottom-line. With the jury’s decision, the introduction of the iPhone 5 and both wireless giants Verizon and AT&T carrying the new device, some consumers are bound to switch from Android to iPhone. Most consumers will make the switch not realizing that most of the user interface (UI) features that were included in the lawsuit have been resolved with the latest UI update (which were out long before the jury heard the case).
Regardless, the verdict will ultimately affect the sale of the Galaxy handset product line, a big loss for Samsung. However, what I also found and didn’t realize is that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab products were not included in the suit, so for now, those are safe!!
Unfortunately through all my research, most agreed, the real loss is for consumers both from a choice standpoint as well as a cost standpoint. In my opinion, it will also mean a “slow-down” in the innovation all of us have become accustom to on our wireless device.
