Apple-Samsung patent trial likely to affect competitors

The patent-infringement trial between Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics is headed to the jury this week. However, the verdict from the trial, which is taking place in U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif., is likely to reverberate beyond the two companies and affect their smartphone competitors, according to the New York Times. If Apple wins its case and the jurors agree that Samsung has violated Apple's patents--especially its design patents--other smartphone makers may go out of their way to craft smartphones that are more distinct from the iPhone. If Samsung prevails, the design ethos in smartphones that has reigned since the advent of the iPhone is likely to continue. However, some analysts think the jury will return a split verdict, which could muddy the waters on any industry-wide impact. Article