I'm sure most of our readers have been following the legal proceedings in the Apple v Samsung lawsuit. Yesterday, Apple was awarded just over $1 billion in damages for Samsung willfully infringing on their patents. However, Apple's Tim Cook says in a memo to employees that it wasn't about the money, it was "about values."

The memo, sent to Apple corporate employees, is an interesting read:

Today was an important day for Apple and for innovators everywhere.

 

Many of you have been closely following the trial against Samsung in San Jose for the past few weeks. We chose legal action very reluctantly and only after repeatedly asking Samsung to stop copying our work. For us this lawsuit has always been about something much more important than patents or money. It's about values. We value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. And we do this to delight our customers, not for competitors to flagrantly copy.

 

We owe a debt of gratitude to the jury who invested their time in listening to our story. We were thrilled to finally have the opportunity to tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trial showed that Samsung's copying went far deeper than we knew.

 

The jury has now spoken. We applaud them for finding Samsung's behavior willful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn't right.

 

I am very proud of the work that each of you do.

 

Today, values have won and I hope the whole world listens.

 

Tim

Apparently, at least according to this memo, Apple didn't want to get into a legal battle with Samsung, but was forced to after Samsung refused to stop actions Apple felt were infringing. He then signs off by telling his employees that he is "very proud of the work" they do.

Today marks Tim Cook's one-year anniversary as CEO of Apple, so winning this legal battle could be seen as a great present.