Well placed front mirror helps tractor drivers

On Aug 24, an American jury found that Samsung had infringed six Apple patents, and ordered the Korean company to pay more than $1bn in damages.

It goes to show just how much good design is worth. Samsung was penalised because the curves on their phone were similar to those on the iPhone.

Adding ‘functionality’ to any machine or device like the mobile phone adds value, and makes the machine that much more interesting and valuable to buyers. This is as true with farm machinery as electronic devices — although patent infringements in this sector will never reach the award given to Apple.