14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has sued its own partner, Samsung, alleging that the latter’s Galaxy line of phones looks too much like the iPhone, both from a hardware point of view, and from a software standpoint.
Apple’s court filing, obtained by Mobilized, is reportedly filled with examples of core technology rip-offs, including screen icons, and the actual shape of the phones.
Patents issued by Apple in 2009 and 2010 that cover the physical design of the iPhone are cited in the suit. Trademarks for application icons are also mentioned.
“It’s no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging,” an Apple representative told the blog.
“This kind of blatant copying is wrong, and we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas,” Apple reportedly said.
Answering to Apple’s charges, Samsung said it would fight back.
In a statement provided to the media, Samsung said that its “development of core technologies and strengthening our intellectual property portfolio are keys to our continued success.”
“Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property,” the company said.
It is worth noting that Samsung supplies many flash components for Apple’s iOS devices.
Apple has recently switched from Toshiba’s offerings to Samsung’s, for MacBook Air flash.
The Korean electronics company also handles most of the crafting of A4 and A5 chips found in Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
The suit will undoubtedly affect the duo’s long-term relationship, especially knowing how Apple, as a company, can go to extreme lengths to prove a point.
A good example is the Cupertino giant’s spat with Adobe over Flash.
It will be interesting to see how this fight between Apple and Samsung will determine which of the two parties will have the most to lose in the long run.