The kicker is that the ruling doesn't have teeth for those phones that are still around. The data detection patent (used for turning phone numbers and dates into links) that affected most of the Samsung devices expires on February 1st, and there's a 30-day grace period on honoring the ban. In short, Samsung can let that one go. Apple's well-known slide-to-unlock patent doesn't run out so quickly, but the three devices targeted in the lawsuit don't use that method any more. At most, Samsung might have to work around an autocorrection patent.

It's a symbolic victory for Apple... but that's about it. As it stands, neither company is particularly interested in drawing out this fight. The two ended all their non-US lawsuits back in 2014, and they've spent the rest of their time winding down what litigation is left. It's mostly a matter of pride -- Apple wants to show something for all those years in court, while Samsung is hoping to minimize the damage and hold its head up high.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]