Apple sues Samsung over iPad

By Liam Tung on Apr 19, 2011 6:29 AM
Filed under Hardware

Supplier failed to innovate.

Apple has sued Samsung, a key component supplier, for copying its iconic iPhone and iPad devices.

The Cupertino computer maker said Samsung’s Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and touch screen tablet infringed on its intellectual property.

"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," Apple's complaint states, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The lawsuit was filed in a Californian district court last week, according to the Journal.

The stoush may complicate Apple's relationship with Samsung, which supplies flash components for Apple's iPhone and iPad, and manufacturers key parts of its A4 and A5 mobile device processors, according to Apple enthusiast news site, 9to5 Mac, which also noted Samsung is rumoured to be working on improved screen technology for the iPad.

Samsung is also one of a growing army of tablet and phone makers whose devices have helped Google's rival mobile operating system, Android, rise to dominance.

8 comments in this discussion

"Apple didn't invent any of these product categories, they just innovated and made a good product. Heaven forfend other companies similarly innovate, when they can just copy a successful formula. ..."

By ITrant

Tags

ipad, apple, sue, court, samsung, flash, iphone, applevstheworld

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Comments: 8

legless Apr 19, 2011 9:40 AM	Apple really hates any kind of competition. "You're not allowed to make smartphones because we make iPhones". "You can't sell tablets because we sell iPads." Well you can't call your company Apple because I eat them.
ITnovice Apr 19, 2011 10:49 AM	This is just another low blow by Apple, showing that it would rather be king of sales by using dirty tactics than through the value and capability of its products selling themselves. Many of their patents are too generic to be upheld anyway. They will just use the money they win to to buy more exclusive contracts with suppliers to squeeze competitors out again. This is also a way to get at Google by suing the current supplier of Google's smartphone offering - the Nexus S - because they are an smaller and easier target.
Ace Apr 19, 2011 11:20 AM	I must say though, Samsungs Galaxy products are remarkably similar to Apples...still, I don't think any 'look and feel' patent has ever stood up to a court case.
arif_desh Apr 19, 2011 1:03 PM	Samsung might gain some benefit because of this law suit - in terms of free marketing. Now people will buy Samsung more as they will believe both IPAD and GALAXY are quite similar. :)
Ace Apr 19, 2011 1:41 PM	Just a heads-up @arif_desh, Apple is a religion, not a product. Once indoctrinated, many followers are physically unable to even look at competitive products, and attempts to go 'cold turkey' are futile. ie: there is no choice.
MissionMan Apr 20, 2011 6:38 PM	You people need to actually read something before commenting. Have a look at the lawsuit and have a look at the two phones in question side by side. They look identical. Samsung have virtually made a copy of the entire iPhone down to hardware, look and feel, which is why Apple isn't suing the rest of them. Why are they evil for protecting their IP? If you designed something would you want companies copying it without your permission? Its business 101, not evil 101.
Ace Apr 21, 2011 12:04 PM	To be fair @MissionMan, the hardware and software are entirely different. A while the Samsung Galaxy smartphone & the new Samsung tablet are clearly superior products, the look and feel that they have is remarkable similar to Apples designs. I assume it's just a coincidence. ;)
ITrant Apr 22, 2011 9:48 AM	Apple didn't invent any of these product categories, they just innovated and made a good product. Heaven forfend other companies similarly innovate, when they can just copy a successful formula. Hats off to MS and their phone7thingy for having the stones to try. I'm always amused that once Apple makes a product that takes a moribund technology, command line computers, smart phones, tablet computers, for example, and people just assume that Apple's IP is the way all devices should always have been made. All the rest of the lazy copycats are about to taste the wrath of the most cashed up and lawyered up company on the planet. Apple have every right to the bones of any company trading on 'looks like an Apple'. Sick-em-Rex.