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It would create quite a power vacuum, and it would scare people in other countries as well. But I'm not convinced that it would cause a new competitor to exist
by wccrawford 5y ago
It would create quite a power vacuum, and it would scare people in other countries as well.
But I'm not convinced that it would cause a new competitor to exist. I think it's more likely that existing companies will eat up that market instead, and I don't think there are any UK companies poised to take over that market segment.
- jowsie 5y agoPeople will simply import iPhones from elsewhere, or buy Samsungs instead.
- PeterisP 5y ago"People will simply import iPhones from elsewhere" is not an option - if there's a patent decision, then it would also mean that imports are a patent violation, all iPhones would have to be seized at the customs. Not-for sale items in personal luggage might be exempt, but bringing a new iPhone in a box for someone else would literally be contraband in this situation.
- Nasrudith 5y agoWell yes but smuggling is a very old occupation for a reason. People won't follow a law they think is illegitimate when they feel they can get away with it. So it would work like the war on drugs. Cocaine is very common for a consumable "not an option" for importing. Hell that same circumstance of personal use is how the underground USSR blue jeans market came about!
- pjc50 5y agoFortunately the UK has an open land border with Ireland. Pop over to Belfast, train to Dublin. (Apple make €110bn profit in Ireland according to their accounts. There is no Dublin Apple Store.)