Cupertino based Apple Inc. is suing Korean firm Samsung Electronics for replicating the “the look and feel” of its iPad and iPhone devices, says the Wall Street Journal.
Apple says Samsung’s Galaxy S 4G was based a little too closely on the iPhone 3G / 3GS models and is also singling out the Epic 4G, Nexus S, and Galaxy Tab for infringing on the fruit firm’s design.
“Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products,” reads the infringement claim.
Apple filed the suit with the Northern District of California on Friday and says it is seeking injunctions as well as damages – both actual and punitive – against the firm. The Jobs mob will also be attempting to prove that Samsung willfully infringed upon its patents.
Since Samsung supplies Apple with a fair amount of the technology that goes into its iDevices, this lawsuit will certainly be an interesting one. We also can’t help but wonder whether this could lead to shortages of flash, screens and other chips, leaving Apple with a real shortage of iPads rather than just an artificially imposed one.
The wheels of justice don’t typically spin too fast when it comes to these types of legal wranglings, though the legal teams of both firms must be having a field day. We’ll keep you posted on the developments.
