Apple Versus Samsung: Apple and Samsung Continue its Legal Battle in Australia

Apple Versus Samsung: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is the second most popular stock among hedge funds, and the smart money’s top small-cap picks have historically beaten the market by 18 percentage points per year (see a list of most recent stock picks and their returns).

It seems like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung are battling in court in almost every country in the world. Last week, we brought you this story pertaining to the legal battle in the United States.

Now, we have some news out of Australia as reported by The Australian Financial Review.

After two years of fighting it out, things have gotten so out of control that there are now two Federal court judges working on the case. This is not something that happens very often.

Here is more news from the Australian Financial Review:

“The case, which began in 2011, resumed in the Federal Court this week. Each company is consolidating its arguments in an attempt to simplify the complex layers of allegations and patent infringements each has claimed.”

As you can see, this is very similar to what is going on in the United States. Both sides have been asked to consolidate its arguments as a means of simplifying the case to a certain degree.

On Monday, Justice Annabelle Bennett, who has been working the case since 2011, was joined by Justice David Yates.

While this may not sound like a big deal, here is something to keep in mind:

“Apple lead counsel Stephen Burley said it was the first time in the history of the Federal Court that two judges had heard an ­initial case together.”

Generally speaking, there is one judge only for the initial hearings. That being said, the overall complexity of the case requires a two-judge system.

The same Australian Financial Review included a quote from Watermark senior associate and patent lawyer, Mark Summerfield:

“It’s got to be far and away the most complicated [case] that’s ever been heard before the Federal Court. Nobody who’s ever litigated in this country has ever had deep enough pockets to just try to drive each other into the ground.”

As you can see, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung are pulling out all the stops. The two companies have gone so far that the justice system has had to adjust on the fly.

What are your thoughts on how things will play out in Australia?

Check back here for more updates on Apple Versus Samsung.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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