Apple rests its patent case against Samsung

Ending its case in a blaze of dollar signs, Apple's final witness in its smartphone legal war with Samsung calculated the record damages -- up to $2.75 billion -- Apple is urging a jury to award if it finds in the iPhone maker's favor.

Apple expert Terry Musika's estimate of what could be owed to Apple was the final touch after three weeks of federal court testimony on Apple's claims that Samsung copied the iPhone and iPad in its smartphones and tablets. Musika followed a parade of other expert witnesses who testified on Apple's behalf the past two weeks in a case alleging that Samsung "slavishly copied" the iPhone and iPad. Apple executives and designers also testified, revealing some of the inner secrets of how the Cupertino tech giant develops its signature products. When Apple wrapped its case, Samsung immediately moved for a judgment in its own favor, arguing that Apple had failed to prove patent infringement or that it violated Apple's "trade dress" rights, which center on claims that Samsung's products mimic the general appearance of the iPhone and iPad. But U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh rejected the legal maneuver, which is always a long shot because the standard for dismissing a case midtrial is difficult to meet.