Apple threatens UK market exit over patent case

[HEXUS]

Apple is engaged in a £5 billion licensing row with Optis Cellular Technology in UK courts.

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[ik9000]

good f.o. then and take your overpriced produce with you. Whining about patents when they don't go your way. Sob sob.

[Tabbykatze]

On the one hand I appreciate that Apple "does a lot for the UK economy" but on the other hand Apple needs to be told no when it is appropriate to tell them no.

Apples threat to leave the market is exactly that, a threat, and really the courts should look harshly at Apple for even making that threat in the first place.

But on the other hand, no person or business should agree to something without knowing the full wording of what they're agreeing to.

While I also despise patent trolls, a patent is a patent.

[Spud1]

I'm torn on this one....on one hand, Apple needs to pay their dues and if they have been infringing on patents, then they should pay a licencing fee etc...so this is good.
On the other hand, Optis are an out and out patent troll, who exist purely to collect patents & sue companies...and I despise that kind of company.

So strangely enough in this case, I actually hope Apple win and the judgement is overturned. I really don't want the UK courts to be the new home/battleground for patent trolls!

[ik9000]

it sounds like optis have already won and it's now about how much damages are fair and reasonable.

[Xlucine]

Using a patent without permission is agreeing to pay licencing fees.

They might well be patent trolls, but apple doesn't have a great history in this either

[Andi-C]

Off you go then ! Close the doors behind you.

[dylanlaw79]

Bye Felicia

[KultiVator]

"A trial has been set for 19th June"

Shouldn't that be July? June was a different epoch - some people still had optimism about England's chances in the big football event of the year.

Don't worry - I've already taken my coat ;-)

[philehidiot]

Apple can go, I don't mind that at all. They'd be stupid to do so as the UK is a large market for them with lots of wealthy people who like throw-away tech.

BUT, I do think there are a few things we need to consider from Cra.... Apple's perspective:
- It's gotta be all too easy to infringe on a patent in the design of hugely complex devices. When this happens, there's a procedure to follow.
- Apple is not contesting the infringement ruling, it's contesting the process afterwards.
- Once the fine is paid, the matter should be closed. Any negotiation for continuing use as a licensee surely doesn't need the courts? If it does, it's entirely reasonable to expect Cr.. Apple to want to see the price before signing.
- I can sort of see why the legal system is involved at this stage, but even if Apple accepts as reasonable the price set by the courts, it still should have that information in hand before committing.

Am I misunderstanding this process? Surely it's: did you infringe? If yes then what are the damages? Damages include production up to a certain date. If Cr... Apple want to use the IP beyond that date, surely they have a choice whether to licence the IP or not? You can't force someone to licence your IP if they're willing to cease use. Or is this the damages stage and Cra... Apple don't want to submit to the courts and pay up?

I'm not saying Apple are squeaky clean (fairly filthy) and this threat is a pathetic attempt to persuade politicians to interfere with the court, which is wrong.

[will19565]

good f.o. then and take your overpriced produce with you. Whining about patents when they don't go your way. Sob sob.

So we will be sick with chinese crap phones, yay. Genius

[Tabbykatze]

So we will be sick with chinese crap phones, yay. Genius

Apple phones are also made in China...just like a large number of everything else we consume?

I dunno, the last Huawei, Xiaomi and OnePlus phones I used were all brilliant, just like an Apple phone. It's the UI and OS that lets them down at the best of times.

[iworrall]

"A trial has been set for 19th June"

Shouldn't that be July? June was a different epoch - some people still had optimism about England's chances in the big football event of the year.

Don't worry - I've already taken my coat ;-)

It's a typo. Bloomberg article linked says "A trial set to begin July 19..."

[Zak33]

On the one hand I appreciate that Apple "does a lot for the UK economy" but on the other hand Apple needs to be told no when it is appropriate to tell them no.

i fear they only paid £9m in 2020 for both their UK companies so Im not entirely sure they are that great for the UK economy really.

[Tabbykatze]

i fear they only paid £9m in 2020 for both their UK companies so Im not entirely sure they are that great for the UK economy really.

I'm thinking more VAT being paid on purchases of their devices.

Apple themselves, like the vast majority of large corporate enterprise, provide little monetary clout directly and is more through the indirect sale of their goods.

[3dcandy]

I'd be pleased if Apple exited the UK.....