Samsung on peace with Apple: ‘The ball’s in their court’

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Near the end of a more than three hour hearing between Apple and Samsung, a California judge once again asked both sides to put an end to the dispute. “It’s time for global peace,” U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh told both companies, with a sense of exasperation. “Is there anything the court can do? I’m more than willing to issue orders,” she continued. “It would be good for consumers, good for the industry, good for the parties.” “We are willing. The ball’s in their court,” Samsung attorney Charles Verhoeven said. That’s a stark difference from statements made by Samsung Mobile Chief J.K. Shin last month, who said the company had no intent to negotiate peace with Apple. It’s not the first time Koh has asked for an end to the battle, which played out earlier this year in the same courtroom. At times, Koh lost her cool at the number of filings, the length of the witness lists, and what she considered to be games by both companies. More than anything though, she had numerous concerns that the trial could end up hurting both companies if it went on. Apple and Samsung met ahead of the trial to discuss a settlement, in court-mandated talks that did not lead to a resolution. CEOs from both companies also spoke before the verdict, in response to a request from Koh. A glimmer of hope that the industrywide fighting would end appeared when Apple and HTC agreed on a settlement last month, leaving some waiting for Samsung to follow suit.