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Apple is suing its rival Samsung Electronics for allegedly copying the design
of its iPad and iPhone.
It claims Samsung's Galaxy range of mobile phones and tablet "slavishly" copy
the iPhone and iPad, according to court papers.
Apple's claims focus on Galaxy's design features, such as the look of its
screen icons.
Samsung said it had conducted its own research and development and would
contest the allegations.
'Blatant copying'
Galaxy products use Google's Android operating system, which directly competes
with Apple's mobile software.
As well as being a competitor, Samsung supplies Apple with microchips that are
used in some Apple products, such as the A4 and A5 processors, as well as
memory chips used in MacBook Pro computers.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday and alleges Samsung violated Apple's patents
and trademarks.
Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement: "This kind of blatant
copying is wrong."
However, Samsung said that its products are a result of research and
development carried out by the company.
"Samsung's development of core technologies and strengthening our intellectual
property portfolio are keys to our continued success," the company said in a
statement.
The Korean electronics maker also said that it will contest the allegations
"through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property".
Patent battles
John Jackson, an analyst with CCS Insight, said Samsung is essentially Apple's
only real tablet competitor at this stage.
Apple is one participant in a web of litigation among phone makers and software
firms over who owns the patents used in smartphones.
Nokia has sued Apple, which in turn has sued handset maker HTC Corp.
Apple is bringing 16 claims against Samsung, including unjust enrichment,
trademark infringement and 10 patent claims.
In March Apple sued HTC alleging patent infringement over the iPhone.
In October 2010, Apple sued Motorola, saying its smartphones use Apple's
intellectual property.
Analysis
In the world of smartphones and tablet computers, being sued for alleged patent
infringements could be considered a badge of honour, a sign your products are
cutting edge, a threat to rivals.
Apple is suing the likes of Motorola, HTC and Samsung; Nokia is suing Apple;
everybody counter-sues each other. Poor Sony Ericsson; its products don't seem
to merit a law suit.
These legal machinations are not that much about who wins them. Mobile
innovation is accelerating and the window to exploit each new technology is
getting smaller. Lawsuits are a chance to sow doubt, distract, slow down the
competition.
They are not even about Samsung, HTC or Motorola, who have become proxies in a
much bigger battle: the fight between Apple and Google, and their respective
mobile operating systems iOS and Android.
Unless one side lands a killer blow, consumers should be able to sit back, and
enjoy the fruits of this fierce competition.