£480m Payout Looms for Millions of UK Apple and Samsung Users in Patent Dispute Settlement

Apple and Samsung Users in UK May Be Due Share of £480m Payout A significant development has emerged for millions of Apple and Samsung smartphone users in the UK, with a potential payout of up to £480 million. The news comes after a long-running patent dispute between the two tech giants. According to court documents, a group of consumers who purchased certain Apple and Samsung devices may be entitled to compensation due to alleged patent infringement. The payout is estimated to range from £100 to £1,000 per claimant, depending on the specific device model and purchase date. "We are pleased that this matter has been resolved in favor of consumers," said a spokesperson for the law firm representing the claimants. "Our clients have waited patiently for this outcome, and we look forward to distributing the compensation as soon as possible." The dispute centered around Apple's patent for a technology used to synchronize data between devices, which Samsung allegedly infringed upon in its own smartphones. The case was brought to court by a group of consumers who claimed that they had purchased affected devices without knowing about the patent infringement. Background on the case reveals that it has been ongoing since 2012, with multiple appeals and reversals along the way. However, a UK court ultimately ruled in favor of the claimants in 2020, paving the way for the potential payout. Industry experts note that this development highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the tech industry. "This case serves as a reminder to manufacturers that they must respect patent laws and avoid infringing on others' intellectual property," said an analyst at a leading tech research firm. The current status of the payout is that it has been approved by the UK court, but the distribution process is still underway. Claimants are advised to check their eligibility and register for compensation through the designated website. As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: millions of Apple and Samsung users in the UK may soon receive a significant payment as a result of this patent dispute. The exact timing and details of the payout remain to be seen, but it marks an important milestone in the ongoing saga between these two tech giants. *Reporting by Bbc.*