With Apple-Samsung Verdict, Innovation Wins

The aftermath of Apple-Samsung might be good for the tech world and for digital product consumers the world over.

In the cold light of day, and in design offices and far from the courtroom, it may even spur dramatic innovations in mobile tech. In some sense it doesn't matter that Samsung's lost, and may owe Apple billions and face import restrictions on some of its products. Yes, if it all goes badly for Samsung, it'll feel the pain (at least a little--its billions in global revenues will help soften the blow). But the more important point is that both parties are now incentivized to behave differently. One can even argue that they're now predisposed to innovate like they've never done before. It's not just Samsung either. All of Apple's smartphone peers, be they Android or Windows Phone makers, may feel the need to keep very clear of the look, feel and functionality of Apple gear. They do want to stay in business, you see. Finally, in terms of the legal core of the suit itself it's even possible Samsung and Apple may agree with the position of Google's public policy director Pablo Chaves, and decide that the current patent system (particularly in terms of software) is critically broken--and actually is counter-productive for encouraging innovation. Even Apple's execs will be aware that despite "winning" this suit, there's an unavoidable negative air surrounding a case like this. And to avoid similar cases happening in the future, one solution would be to change the patent system itself. Lobbying does work, and these firms have deep pockets. Call us overly optimistic if you will, but this is a very high-profile case between some of the biggest companies in the world. The overall outcome, if it does spur innovative thinking, may be great for us as consumer. Think of the weird and wonderful devices that we'll get to see as both Apple and Samsung try to outsmart each other and out-design each other in the future.