Samsung loses important patent decision against Apple in the Netherlands

It looks like Samsung may have been dealt a major blow in their ongoing legal battle against Apple in the Netherlands The court has sided with Apple regarding a FRAND patent dispute over 3G/UMTS technology, and it was also revealed that Samsung cannot pursue injunctive relief as long as Apple is willing to negotiate a license agreement. According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, this is a “meaningful” victory for Apple as Samsung is unlike to be getting much money from the current litigation.

“Apple is licensed by extension since it purchases baseband chips from Qualcomm, and Samsung’s attempt to terminate its license agreement with Qualcomm as far as third-party beneficiary Apple is concerned failed because Samsung had made a commitment to ETSI, the standards body in charge of 3G, that it would grant irrevocable licenses to its 3G/UMTS essential patents.”

Granted this does not necessarily guarantee Apple’s win in the war, but it’s still a pretty important victory for them especially since 3G/UMTS technology is being used in Apple’s iPhone and iPad series of iOS devices, both of which are extremely popular and important products for the Cupertino company.