Samsung avoids extra damages in Apple patent infringement case

A US judge has shot down Apple's attempt to win higher damages from Samsung over patent infringement.

Judge Lucy Koh determined that Samsung did not wilfully infringe on Apple patents. The judge's ruling is now expected to go to appeals as the two firms continue their global legal patent fight.

"Given that Apple has not clearly shown how it has in fact been under compensated for the losses it has suffered due to Samsung's dilution of its trade dress, this Court, in its discretion, does not find a damages enhancement to be appropriate," wrote Judge Koh in her ruling uncovered by Groklaw.

Apple had hoped the court would find Samsung of wilful infringement of its patents, which could have resulted in damages worth three times the initial ones it was awarded last year.

Judge Koh said her decision was partially based on the idea that Samsung had just cause to believe that it didn't infringe on certain Apple patents.

According to the judge, Samsung did not have enough evidence to prove it didn't infringe upon Apple patents. However, the company did present a reasonable case for its belief that it didn't think it was infringing.

Along with the consistent damages ruling, Judge Koh also ruled that Samsung could not overturn the original court ruling in the case. Samsung had hoped to avoid paying Apple over $1bn in damages. However, with the recent ruling it will still be required to pay fees to Apple.

Following Judge Koh's ruling the two companies at the heart of the case are expected to head to appeals court. Both Samsung and Apple have been in a global patent dispute with each other over the past several years.

"Poor Apple will have to make do with a mere $1 billion as its jury award. We'll see if that stands on appeal too," wrote Groklaw legal blogger Pamela Jones on the case.

V3 reached out to both Samsung and Apple for comment on the ruling. Samsung offered a no comment. Apple has yet to respond to inquiries.