Apple has extended its long-lasting legal battle with Samsung to a new level having sued the Korean device maker over cases for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a number of cellphones. As reported by Bloomberg, the company claimed at the Sydney court hearing to have sent Samsung a notice of violation and said it will file a statement of claim. Apple charges its opponent with infringing on patents and registered designs. According to Katrina Howard, a lawyer for the company, Samsung is accused in violating at least 10 patents.
In fact, the hearing was related to a different issue, as Apple struggled to get a trial involving Samsung’s accusations of the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S along with the iPad 2 allegedly infringing on 3G patents delayed. Stephen Burley, Apple lawyer, argued that the company hadn’t enough time to collect evidence and find experts for testimonies.
Contradicting Apple, Howard pointed out that Samsungs had given up attempts to temporarily block the company’s devices from sales and agreed to an early hearing instead. The Samsung lawyer also noted that the Korean electronics developer will be “severely prejudiced” if Australian court decided to delay the trial. A decision on Apple’s petition was nevertheless deferred by Bennett, with a new hearing scheduled for February 3rd. Both companies have been encouraged to keep gathering evidence and expert reports.
The new lawsuit is only one of more than 30 legal complaints filed by Apple and Samsung against each other. While the device makers have already interchanged some minor victories and losses, any final outcomes are still distant unless both are willing to reach settlements.
