Apple Sues Samsung for Copying iPhones and ipad

Apple is suing its rival Samsung Electronics for allegedly copying the design of its ipad and iphone. It says that the Samsung Galaxy range of mobile phones and tablet show no attempt at originality and copy and the iphone and ipad according to the court papers. Apple goes further to say that not only does Samsung copy the look and the aesthetic design of the phone but also the design features of the Galaxy’s software such as the screen icons. Samsung argues back by saying that it had conducted its own research and development and would contest the allegations. 

Ironically 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 and so the legal battle could therefore hurt the earnings of both companies as strong sales of Apple's iPhone and iPad mean added revenue for Samsung. Apple is bringing 16 claims against Samsung, including unjust enrichment, trademark infringement and 10 patent claims. Samsung is essentially Apple's only real tablet competitor at this stage and it's clear that they do not intend to let Apple run away with the category.

However I read that ‘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.’ So whilst 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. 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.

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."

However now Samsung Electronics is suing Apple, claiming its rival violated its patent rights, days after Apple accused Samsung of "slavishly" copying designs of its iPad and iPhone.The patent lawsuits, filed in South Korea, Japan and Germany, involve infringement of up to five patents, Samsung said in a statement. Apple filed a lawsuit against Samsung last Friday for violating its patents. Maybe if they invested the money into developing their technology instead of on law suits then they will be at the head of their game and wouldn't have to sue everyone!