Share dealing frenzy around the world as impact of jury verdict becomes clearer
Eight older Samsung phones have already been put in the firing line by Apple in the aftermath of its crushing US court victory, with injunctions against the Korean giant’s flagship Galaxy S III possibly also on the way. In trading around the world yesterday and early this morning [28th August 2012], it was becoming clearer how the court ruling would translate into financial gains and losses. While Samsung had some $12 billion wiped off its market cap in Seoul, on Wall Street Apple had a corresponding sum added to its value as its shares rose 1.9 per cent to close at $675.68 last night.Winners from the litigation fall-out included Microsoft, Nokia and even RIM – their stock respectively up 0.3 per cent, 7.7 per cent and 5 per cent – with the fortunes of all three perceived brighter thanks to their non-dependance on Google’s Android phone op which accounts for two-thirds of the global market.
Conversely, Google and big Android users like HTC, saw their shares hit. Google’s own shares closed 1.4 per cent lower at $669.2.
But, for investors, next month could prove the true test of how the wind is blowing as most of the big smartphone players roll out their latest devices.
Those who have fallen foul of the Californian court verdict will need either to rush in design changes, come to some compromise with Apple or risk seeing their handsets removed from the shelves of US phone retail outlets.
Meanwhile, Apple has wasted no time rubbing the salt into Samsung’s wounds. It has identified eight older model smartphones that it wants to see the court ban including the Galaxy S II and Droid Charge.
Though its lawsuit encompassed more than two dozen handsets, many can no longer be bought in the USA.
But for Samsung the bigger threat is that against its flagship Galaxy S III phone which, while not included in the patent-infringement hearing, may nevertheless still contain features that Apple might declare are its own.
In a worst case scenario, some analysts calculate a US ban could affect sales of 80 per cent of Samsung’s smartphones, reducing its earnings per share in 2013 by more than 6 per cent.
The injunction hearing is set for just over three weeks from now on September 20th [2012] where it’s thought that, if district judge Lucy Koh grants a ban, Samsung’s gambit will be to lodge an immediate appeal if only to diffuse the impact on vital pre-Xmas sales.
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The eight smartphones Apple seeks to ban have since been identified. They are – the Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S2 AT&T, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G, Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge and Galaxy Prevail.
The date for the hearing has also been moved to a slightly later date, 6th December 2012, when Samsung is expected to argue for the jury’s decision to be set aside.
