Samsung took a big hit today, owes Apple just under $1.05 billion in damages.

The Apple vs. Samsung trial has come to what many might consider shocking but maybe not a bit surprising. The jury deliberated for three days and came back with a mind bending damages total – just shy of $1.05 billion smackeroos. Samsung was on the beating side of the jury’s decisions, finding the company willfully infringed on five of seven patents plus the jury upheld the validity of said patents.

The other blow to Samsung was the jury’s decision that Samsung patents were not violated by either the iPhone 3G or 3GS, which meant Sammy was awarded zero dollars in damages. It wasn’t a slam-dunk for Apple as not all devices were found to be infringing nor did they get the $2.5 billion it was seeking in damages.

Cupertino shouldn’t count its money just yet as Samsung will surely appeal the case. It’s a possibility the damage amount could get lowered or certain parts of the decision reversed. Although Samsung shouldn’t hold its breath either, it could take quite a long time. Hit the break to check out the statements released by both companies in the wake of the verdict. Also, sound off geeks. How do you feel about the decision?

We are grateful to the jury for their service and for investing the time to listen to our story and we were thrilled to be able to finally tell it. The mountain of evidence presented during the trail showed that Samsung’s copying went far deeper than even we knew. The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were about much more than patents or money. They were about values. At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy. We applaud the court for finding Samsung’s behavior willful and for sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn’t right. – Apple

Today’s verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the American consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices. It is unfortunate that patent law can be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies. Consumers have the right to choices, and they know what they are buying when they purchase Samsung products. This is not the final word in this case or in battles being waged in courts and tribunals around the world, some of which have already rejected many of Apple’s claims. Samsung will continue to innovate and offer choices for the consumer. – Samsung