Patent case brings key Apple figure to spotlight
As a part of its patent infringement countersuit against Apple, Samsung is planning to take depositions from several key Apple designers by December 1st, says Edible Apple. The most prominent person on the list is Apple's senior VP of industrial design, Jonathan Ive. Ive is credited with much of the look and feel of Apple products, and may now wield even more influence in the absence of Steve Jobs, who was infamous for micromanaging details during his tenure as CEO.
Another important name on the deposition list is Doug Satzger, who worked at Apple for 12 years, up until 2008. On his LinkedIn profile he notes that he "managed and directed all creative aspect of color materials and finishes for product from the first iMac to the latest iPhone, iPods, iPad and MacBooks." He left for Palm in March 2009.
Shin Nishibori is identified as an industrial designer at Apple. He is notably credited with large number of design patents, including ones for the iPod nano, MacBook Air, iPhone 4, and Apple retail packaging. The last name on the list is Christopher Stringer, who like Nishibori is another Apple designer and linked to a host of the company's patents.
The depositions are related to the legal war between Apple and Samsung, which began when Apple started accusing Samsung phones and tablets of copying the look of the iPhone and iPad. Samsung has fired back with its own countersuits, but Apple has so far scored the most short-term victories, for instance securing injunctions on products in some regions. The depositions were originally scheduled to take place by November 1st, but had to be delayed since none of the subjects were available.
By Electronista Staff
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