Judge denies bid for Samsung sanctions

2012-08-03 22:11

Apple (File, AFP)

California - A federal judge has denied Apple's demands for an immediate victory in a multibillion-dollar patent trial as punishment for Samsung Electronics' decision to issue a controversial press release on the first day of testimony.

The San Jose Mercury News reported on Friday that US District Judge Lucy Koh denied Apple's request after polling the nine jurors to determine if they read media accounts based on the press release.

Samsung attorney Michael Quinn authorised the release on Tuesday, which complained about Koh's exclusion of evidence favorable to Samsung. The release also included the evidence.

Apple claimed the release was designed to taint the jury. Quinn countered that Samsung has a right to release documents that are publicly available.

Koh says she's satisfied jurors have not read any reports on the matter.

- AP