There is widespread feeling in patent departments of corporations around the country that Kearns' case represents a frightening precedent.

全国各地的企业专利部门普遍感到，克恩斯的案子开创了一个恐怖的先例。

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That ruling could set an interesting precedent for future patent trials in America, particularly those involving Apple and Samsung.

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Although Abbott could probably afford the loss of the Brazilian revenues (0.5% of its total sales) if a compulsory licence were issued, industry representatives and patent-rights advocates fear the precedent-setting effect of such a move.

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In other words, in the EU when one country makes a judgment on patent issues, it is normally considered a precedent (first seized) for other courts.

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