US court rules Apple can seek ban on Samsung devices

Apple was given another chance at halting sales of Samsung smartphones that infringe on its patents, with an appeals court having ruled on Monday that the firm can seek a ban on some Samsung products.

The two companies have been arguing in front of a jury for four days over the amount of money Samsung should pay to Apple for infringement of five of Apple's patents in 13 models of Samsung smartphones and tablets. Apple wants $380 million and Samsung is arguing that $52 million is a more fair amount.

The Washington, D.C.-based appeals court did not rule conclusively on Apple's demand for a permanent injunction on those Samsung devices, but it set an easier standard for Apple to prevail down the road, dealing a blow to Samsung's attempt to keep selling products even if they trample on iPhone and iPad patents.

"To the extent these statements reflect the view that Apple was necessarily required to show that a patented feature is the sole reason for consumers' purchases, the court erred", the three judge panel said. "Rather than show that a patented feature is the exclusive reason for consumer demand, Apple must show some connection between the patented feature and demand for Samsung's products."

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