Apple sues Samsung over Galaxy tablet and smartphone ranges

The gloves are off between Apple and Samsung, with the Cupertino company taking the South Korean manufacturer to court. Apple have filed a patent suit against Samsung, claiming that many elements of the iPhone and iPad designs and interfaces have been ripped off by the Galaxy tablet and smartphone ranges.

“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 spokesperson told Mobilized. “We need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.”

Samsung responded with this statement:

“Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property.”

They are now thought to be filing a counter-suit against Apple, claiming that the iPhone violates Samsung’s wireless technology patents.

It’s about to get very messy. And potentially very, very confusing.

The suit has been put before the US District Court in Northern California. If Apple are successful, they’ll not only recieve damages, but also an injunction preventing Samsung from selling any more Galaxy products which are found to infringe upon Apple’s patents and trademarks.