Apple has been on a roll lately. The company sued HTC and Nokia recently and is now suing Samsung, claiming the Galaxy tablet and smartphones violate its patents.
As eWeek reports, Apple filed a 38-page lawsuit against Samsung alleging that the look, packaging, and user interfaces of Samsung’s tablets and smartphones were copied from Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
In the lawsuit, Apple alleges that Samsung was unoriginal in making its tablet and smartphones. “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smartphone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products.”
Samsung, on the other hand, will not take these accusations lightly as the company filed a “counter-action” against Apple. “Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property.”
Apple pretty much established the tablet market with its iPad and feels that other companys, such as Samsung, are riding their coat-tails.
Now, the kicker to this is that Samsung is one of Apple’s parts manufacturers. Roughly 4% of Samsung’s 2010 revenue, or approximately $6 billion dollars, came from Apple. “Apple is one of our key buyers of semiconductors and display panels. However, we[Samsung] have no choice but to respond strongly this time.”
Apple is reportedly working on its next two iPhone models and will be managing its limited resources wisely since its lawsuit with Samsung means no more purchasing crucial parts from them.
This lawsuit is perfect timing on Apple’s part because Samsung is nearly a month away from launching its Galaxy S II smartphone. In this day and age, companies will sue each other for just about any reason. Is Microsoft next on Apple’s list?
