We have all been waiting for the iPhone 5 to come out, in part, because of its shining new 4G LTE speeds. Unfortunately, though, it seems that if the bad guys (Samsung and HTC) get their way, there’s a chance these 4G speeds might be render us incapable of purchasing the next-gen iPhone.
Several mobile companies have been stock piling 4G LTE patents for quite some time now. But Apple, which has yet to adopt this next generation networking on its iPhones, has only just begun buying patents that would allow the company to use the technology.
This leaves the company vulnerable to legal disputes with tech giants with more 4G experience, and could even result in a possible sales ban on the iPhone 5!
Now, before you get too worried, there is some good news. HTC has already tried to ban the LTE-capable iPad released earlier this year, claiming that it infringed upon two of its patents.
Obviously, this complaint did not even see the the inside of a courtroom, as U.S. International Trade Commission Judge Pender did not allow the request to proceed without evidence.
Apple’s not out of the water just yet, though. Recently a Samsung employee reportedly confirmed the suspicions that Samsung would sue Apple if it came out with a LTE-capable iPhone to The Korea Times, stating,
“It’s true that Samsung Electronics has decided to take immediate legal action against the Cupertino-based Apple. Countries in Europe and even the United States — Apple’s home-turf — are our primary targets.”
Apple is supposedly not taking these threats from Samsung lightly, as it has recently acquired dozens of patents, bringing its 4G LTE patent ownership percentage up to 4.9 percent globally. This is quite the feat considering the fruit company had no patents concerning 4G technology just last year.
Meanwhile I’m still reporting on Apple being sued or suing every company that ever existed.
What do you guys think – will a 4G-compatible iPhone spell more legal drama for our favorite Cupertino-based company, or is it possible that the next-gen iPhone could launch without incident? Sound off in the comments section below!
