Remember that little spat between Apple and Samsung over mobile device patents? Things just got a bit more interesting. A federal court has told Samsung to grant Apple access to some prototypes to let it decide if it wants to request an early injunction. Fortunately for Samsung, only “Outside Counsel Eyes” which excludes Apple staff or its in-house lawyers, will have access to the devices. According to Judge Lucy Koh: “Apple has demonstrated good cause for some, limited expedited discovery. While Apple has not yet filed a motion for preliminary injunction, courts have found that expedited discovery may be justified to allow a plaintiff to determine whether to seek an early injunction.”
The five devices in question are the Galaxy S II, Infuse 4G, DROID Charge, Galaxy Tab 8.9, and Galaxy Tab 10.1. Product samples, packaging, and package inserts must be turned over.
If there is good news for Samsung, it is that its executives will not have to make depositions.