Is Samsung forced to copy Apple to compete?

The legal battles between the world's top corporations aren't ever going to stop. These companies have to take their properties seriously, or they can't expect to stand out amongst the competition. Or, more to the point, they can't ever expect to win. So that's why when more lawsuits get added to this whole Apple/Samsung situation, no one should be surprised. It's the way things go, and with as much that's lying on the line in these suits, both companies should be fighting each other tooth and nail.

But Samsung's most recent response to Apple, chiseled down to say basically, "We aren't copying you, just competing," seems a bit lackluster. Truthfully, that isn't even an argument. That's more like a child arguing with a parent, using whatever excuse they can come up with off the top of their head. Samsung could have just left it at "We aren't copying you" and it would have been fine. They are obviously adamant in their belief that they did not -- are not-- copying Apple.

But the moment they added, "We are competing," it took a turn. Because now it isn't just a statement about how Samsung isn't copying Apple, but that Samsung obviously believes they have to copy Apple to compete. That may be how Samsung feels, but I don't think the higher-ups at HTC or LG feel the same way. There isn't any denying that Samsung is a company that does well for itself, especially in the Android market; but it is a sad moment when we think that Samsung believes they only stand a chance of they take aesthetic cues from Apple.

Of course, Samsung won't come right out and say that's what is happening here, but that single statement is pretty straightforward. "We aren't copying, we are competing." Now, there are many, many people out there who would say that it is silly to think that Samsung is copying Apple in any way. But, there are also people out there who would point to the image above, and simply remain quiet, mentally suggesting that a picture is worth a thousand words. It is a hot debate, and obviously it will be something for the courts to decide.

But there is a difference between copying and competing. You don't have to copy to compete. In fact, while it may be the greatest form of flattery, copying isn't really competing at all. I believe if you're truly competing, then you're creating things on your own. Truly unique things that people want, crave and show off. Things that when people see, they may say it looks like another one of your products, and not another company's.

So what do you think? Is Samsung copying Apple? Or is Samsung really just competing with the Cupertino-based company? Let me know in the comments below.