Apple vs. Samsung: Samsung Delays Product Debut to Prevent Product Ban

After previously having their Galaxy Tab banned in Europe (except the Netherlands), Samsung has a new strategy for escaping other possible bans: delaying sales. “Samsung delays tablet launch in Australia on Apple suit” by Miyoung Kim of Reuters.com reports Samsung is planning to “delay the launch of its latest Galaxy tablet computer in Australia until after a court ruling in September in its ongoing global dispute with Apple.”

The article reports the disputes started in April. So far, it has resulted in bans on the Galaxy Tab and three of the Galaxy smartphones. The theory behind the patent suits is “Apple seeks to rein in the growth of Google’s Android phones by taking [direct] aim at the biggest Android vendor, Samsung”. Samsung is also successful in selling the Galaxy tablet, which is probably the only other substantial competitor to the iPad.

Apple claims Samsung has stolen the style of the iPhone and iPad and thus, infringed on its patents. But Samsung is fighting the Apple suits, especially in Australia, where the Galaxy Tab has yet to debut. Samsung’s statement regarding their counter-suit:

“Today, Samsung informed the Federal Court of Australia it intends to file a cross claim against Apple Australia and Apple Inc regarding the invalidity of the patents previously asserted by Apple and also a cross claim against Apple regarding violation of patents held by Samsung by selling its iPhones and iPads.”

Apple is spending lots of money and fighting hard to prevent one of its major competitors from competing.  They might absolutely have a legal position in their suits. But how is the smartphone and tablet market suppose to be competitive for consumers when mobile manufacturers can be accused of copying a “design, look, [and/or] feel” of an Apple product and end up having their product banned? I’m sure that other phones in the market could be subjected to the same patent suits but Samsung is being picked on for being successful.  Unfortunately, delaying a product might be the only way of preventing the cost of having a banned product but it’s not a sustainable strategy.