Let's step back and look at the big picture.
Samsung was founded in 1938
They are a South Korean multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul.
Apple was founded in 1977
They are in Cupertino, California. On April 1, 1976 they incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc.
These are two vastly different companies, if for no other reason than the very significant cultural differences between the two.
If one takes the time to learn about the culture of South Korea, it's a known fact, they practice what virtually all present day large scale multinational corporations do, they gather intelligence on their competitors. They know what they are working on, and steal their ideas with the intention refining, modifying or otherwise using what they want without being caught.
Apple does it.
Microsoft does it.
General Motors does it.
General Electric does it.
and the list goes on and on and on.
It's a fact of life.
Samsung makes a mind boggling number of products, far beyond just the sector that Apple operates in. Here's a confirmation:
http://goo.gl/fJ6n5
Apple enthusiasts, in many cases only see the side of Samsung that makes smartphones. But the fact is, even Steve Jobs had a full appreciation for the Giant that Samsung is.
Oh sure, they may not have the level of refinement in their current line of smartphones, but that is but a sliver of their total business and one they have decided to focus on with as intense of an effort as Apple focuses on their product lines.
Therefore after realizing just how big of a threat Samsung could be, Jobs stepped back and went on the attack. Launching a very venomous law suit.
Am I advocating for Samsung? NO
Am I advocating for Apple? NO
What I am doing is simply sharing what I know about this situation.
What I am NOT doing is condemning Apple.
I believe Apple needs to defend against the violations (if any) that Samsung has committed, yet I don't see a need for Apple to go overboard and blow it out of proportion. This is where Tim Cook is a breath of fresh air, he will calm all this down and get it under control. Unlike Steve, he's more mature and not taking it personally. He understands business in a way that Steve probably did, but could not stop letting it get to him, and anger him to unrealistic levels.
FACT: What did Samsung do wrong? WE don't know, nor will we ever. We only know what we are being told, and what some of us want to believe. Those who are typically and blindly on Apples side without having all the facts. Nor will we ever, since business is conducted behind closed doors.
The "news", "information", or "facts" we get are highly filtered. Words are parsed and by the time the information reaches us it's spun to the satisfaction of either Apple or Samsung, to either companies benefit depending on the source of the "facts".
Therefore at the end of the day, speaking for myself. All I care is that Apple and Samsung compete in a reasonable way like every other corporation does and let them duke it out on the showroom floor. Let the customer decide what they want to purchase.
Let's not go to the extreme that Apple has taken, blocking the competitions ability to get the product on the shelf for sale.
Finally there is ONE undeniable fact.
Apple has a massive track record of success, a mind boggling stash of cash, and a well documented following of customers. It's not like Samsung could ever put Apple out of business. Apple is not on their last legs, and operating in the red. Wildly successful, richer than rich, why not use Apple's highly superior skill and expertise and get on with building world class product and blow Samsung away on the showroom floor.
So let's be reasonable continue to move forward instead of getting deadlocked and delayed in court.
Apple's too classy for that... Or at least they should be. I like Apple... A Lot!
I've been a very satisfied and enthusiastic customer, shareholder, and used their computers since 1991 to make my living. I have a lot (tens of thousands of dollars) invested in Apple. I want the "old" Apple back, the one that competed without all this acrimonious activity.
They can do it, I _know_ they can. Tim Cook is the man that can.
Cheers...
