Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. suit (n.)
– proceeding legal process used to recover a right or claim
Example: Mrs. Thomas filed a suit against her
former employee.
2. patent
(n.) – an official document that gives
the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that
invention for a set period of time
Example: Computer manufacturers must follow
patent laws and regulations.
3. sequel
(n.) – something that follows; a continuation of something already started such
as in a movie or literary work
Example: The movie was a big hit so the
producers decided to create a sequel to it.
4. litigation
(n.) – a legal contest done to resolve a particular matter or issue
Example: The case reached litigation since
both parties refused to solve the issue by themselves.
5.
countersue (v.) –to file a suit against someone who first filed a case.
Example: The lawyer prepares to countersue
the other party.
Article
Read the text below.
Apple has filed a suit at the Tokyo District Court asking to suspend the sales of
Samsung Galaxy mobile devices in Japan for violation of patent laws.
According to Apple, Samsung’s Galaxy series
copied both the iPhone and iPad. Galaxy devices include the Galaxy S, its sequel S II smartphones, and the
Galaxy Tab 7, which is based on Google’s Android Software. These products are
considered the biggest challengers to Apple’s devices. Samsung's Galaxy S
even outsold iPhone in Japan from January to March this year.
Apple has also filed cases against Samsung in the
United States, Australia, Korea and Europe. In fact, a German court already
banned sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 7.7 last September.
The two big firms have been involved in court litigation over the patents of the smartphone
and tablet since April, when Samsung first filed a suit against Apple in
Japan. In August, Apple countersued
seeking $1.3 million in damages, and the sales ban of Samsung gadgets.
Meanwhile, Japan's top mobile company NTT Docomo
launched Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 on its high-speed network. Company
president Ryuji Yamada said that the launch will not affect their sales
despite the current court battles between Apple and Samsung.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Do
you know of other companies in your country which have violated patent laws?
·
What
do you think is the effect if one company copies the product or technology of
another?
Discussion B
·
Do
you think that copying some features of the competitor’s product would boost
company sales? Why or why not?
·
What
are others measures and ways for a company to improve its sales?