A court in the Netherlands has told Apple they must pay compensation to mobile devices rival Samsung Electronics.
The court ruled that a patent owned by Samsung covering how phones and tablet PCs connect to the internet was violated by Apple devices.
It was not revealed how much they will be ordered to pay Samsung.
The damages will be calculated at a late date, and will depend on sales of Apple’s iPhone and iPad in the Netherlands.
Samsung said in a statement: “Samsung welcomes the court’s ruling, which reaffirmed Apple’s free-riding of our technological innovation.
“In accordance with the ruling, we will seek adequate compensation for the damages Apple and its products have caused.”
Samsung had taken legal action after alleging that Apple infringed on four patents held by the company. However, the court only agreed that one of the patents had been breached.
Apple and Samsung, two of the largest manufacturers of mobile devices in the world, have been involved in bitter disputes over patents in the last few years.
Experts have said that with several cases being fought in various different countries by the two firms, it was likely that neither would come out on top.
Managing Director of consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan, Manoj Menon, said: “Both these companies need to understand that some cases will be won by Samsung and some by Apple.
“This will put an increased pressure on both parties to figure out an amicable business solution, rather than prolong these battles.”
