Last Saturday, right after the news that a jury had determined that 25 Samsung cellphones and three tablet models infringed on Apple patents, a friend asked me if I thought Apple would further benefit from this verdict, or if Samsung would see this as a chance to become a real innovator. I told her my immediate thoughts were how much this outcome would benefit Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT). I believe that thanks in part to this verdict, Nokia will return to its former self sooner rather than later. My friend was surprised.
At this point, it's no secret this verdict will definitely affect tablet and smartphone designs. We may finally see some real innovation from Samsung. We can also expect a dramatic change in the future of other mobile device manufacturers, and maybe a turn around -- I am thinking Nokia here -- as EBN editor in chief, Bolaji Ojo, suggested in Apple-Samsung: Can't We All Just Get Along?
Yes, we all wish that they all could get along, but Apple and Samsung keep on fighting in different corners of the world. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Finland is beginning to see a new wave of hope for local hero Nokia, as the Finnish company showed a frenetic growth in the Helsinki Stock Exchange and a strong opening on Wall Street. Indeed, Monday was a day of good news.
In fact, Nordea Markets research analyst Sami Sarkamies had also said that the Finnish manufacturer and Microsoft could be the main beneficiaries from the Apple vs. Samsung outcome, so I'm more optimistic about Nokia's comeback. Then I read that earlier this week, after Samsung became considerably less valuable in the market, MoneyNews reported that shares in Nokia were 10.2 percent higher and Microsoft's European-listed shares were 1.6 percent higher.
All these reports support my initial thoughts. I strongly believe that the patent dispute between Apple and Samsung could boost Nokia and Microsoft's mobile device sales in unexpected ways. This decision comes right before Nokia World, September 5 through 6 in Helsinki, Finland, where Nokia is expected to announce its first tablet. This event -- this year is invitation-only -- has been timed to complement the Nokia and Microsoft press conference already scheduled for September 5, where the Windows Phone 8 is expected to be introduced as well as Nokia phones that will run the Microsoft smartphone platform. It's worth mentioning that Nokia World's date was changed from the initial September 25. This makes me think that the company wanted to make sure its newest devices were announced right before Apple's.
I am also pretty confident that the latest chain of events may translate into some Android users choosing to migrate to Nokia or Microsoft products in search of a more stable and reliable situation -- at least until Samsung's destiny becomes more clear. I have seen Nokia go up, down, and stay afloat, but never close to dying. If this is an opportunity, Nokia will take advantage of it.
There's a good chance that Nokia's stocks and sales may get an even more radical boost throughout the end of the year thanks to Apple's win against Samsung. There is always hope when there is still life, and Nokia may rise again.
Anandvy, I don’t think any advantages like home based or native. Laws are always strict and legible, so there won’t be any advantage for a native company or foreign companies. But these rules may varies from country to countries and from states to states.
"In fact, Nordea Markets research analyst Sami Sarkamies had also said that the Finnish manufacturer and Microsoft could be the main beneficiaries from the Apple vs. Samsung outcome"
Susan, I agree with your comment at corporate level. But from customer point of view is it good or bad for them. So far Samsung had sold many tablets and Smartphones, so either they have to pay royalty or go for new designs. So obliviously there are chances for a price hike in new devices and doubtful about certain features too.
Japanese patent system seems to be highly regarded, so this certainly weights in the general Apple-Sansung war
@Susan, that is what my concern is. I feel Apple won its case because it had hometown advantage. Needs to be seen how other courts will interpret this fight.
Do you think they can take a good slice of the American pie?
@Susan, definitely. Nokia has a very good opportunity to capture the US market in absence of Samsung. Meanwhile did you see the leaked images of Nokia Lumia 920 ?
On Friday, a Tokyo District Court ruled for Samsung. Japanese patent system seems to be highly regarded, so this certainly weights in the general Apple-Sansung war.
Of course not everybody will choose to try a different hardware or OS, but as things are presented so far some might do, especially with new devices like the new Nokia W8 coming out soon, right?
Yes, I see your point. This is when it becomes interesting in the US market. You see, if Samsung devices get out of the market, what do you think it will happen with Nokia and Microsoft? Do you think they can take a good slice of the American pie?
On the contrary, I believe it will awake more innovation and creativity in the competitors.
@Susan, I am not saying patenting is wrong. But all I am saying is patenting look and feel of the handset is wrong. Unfortunately users in the US will not be able to buy samsung products and thus you cant expect Apple to slash its product price because it has not competition now.
" I believe this practice by Apple will kill the competition in smartphone market. "
I don't think so. On the contrary, I believe it will awake more innovation and creativity in the competitors. Why do all the smartphones have to look like iPhones? At least we have to see that Nokia smartphones look different.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This