Both Apple and Samsung have been at the forefront of technology innovation. Technological forces are pushing for newer and better products, and tech companies must constantly pursue product development to compete effectively against each other. As a result, the tech environment has become highly aggressive with firms going to great lengths to protect their patents. A patent rewards an innovator for a new invention or technology by providing the innovator the sole rights to develop and sell that product for 20 years. Patents offer the owner legal protection. If during that time competitors try to sell the product, they can be sued for damages. 

In the United States, whoever files a patent first gets legal protection. This can get complicated, however, when it is hard to determine which company obtained a patent first, or when a firm accuses another firm of violating their patent by copying certain product features protected under the patent. This was the case between Apple and Samsung, leading to a legal battle that would take multiple years to resolve. It started in 2011, when Apple accused Samsung of violating its iPhone patent by copying certain iPhone features for its Galaxy S. In its allegations, Apple accused Samsung of copying the iPhone shape; color; tap-to-zoom, flip-to-rotate, and slide-to-scroll features; and more. It also claimed that Samsung violated the patent for its iPad.

Questions for Discussion

1. In what type of competitive environment do you think Apple and Samsung operate

2. How do technological forces impact how Apple and Samsung operate when it comes to protecting their intellectual property

3. Why is it important for international tech firms to be familiar with the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate