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Apple extends Samsung patent battle to South Korea

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10-1 screen and side
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The patent conflict between Apple and Samsung has taken another turn, with Bloomberg reporting that Apple has filed a patent-related lawsuit against tech giant Samsung in South Korea. However, details of Apple’s claims haven’t yet been made public, although some outlets are reporting that Apple is claiming Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphones violate Apple patents.

The lawsuit is presumably another way for Apple to ratchet up pressure on Samsung: the two companies are engaged in an increasingly high-stakes battle of mobile technology patents. Apple launched an infringement suit in the United States back in April, claiming Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Tab tablets outright copied Apple’s technology, interface, and style. Samsung filed a countersuit, resulting in a federal judge ordering Samsung provide Apple access to plans for future unreleased products so Apple can determine whether to file for pre-emptive injunctions. Samsung made a similar request to see future Apple products on the same grounds, but that request was denied earlier this week.

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Neither Apple nor Samsung have yet responded to a request for comment.

Although Apple and Samsung’s intellectual property disputes over mobile and wireless products appears to still be escalating, Apple remains one of Samsung’s largest customers: the Korean Economic Daily recently reported that Apple planned to spend nearly $8 billion on Samsung components for its products during 2011.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
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