Apple sues Samsung over Galaxy smartphone and tablets

19 Apr 2011

Apple is suing Samsung for allegedly copying the ‘trade dress’ of its iPhone and iPad products to create the Galaxy line of tablets and smartphones.

You never would have guessed from Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ dismissal of the 7-inch Galaxy Tab last year that he considered it a threat but it has emerged Apple is suing Samsung, alleging its Galaxy smartphones and tablets infringe its patents.

Apple last week filed a lawsuit alleging patent and trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Apple is alleging Samsung’s Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets borrow heavily from the hardware, user interface and packaging of the iPad.

Litigation-crazy industry

Samsung has vowed to fight Apple’s allegations in court.

The action is the latest in a series of litigation battles that has thrown Apple against Nokia and HTC and lawsuits have emerged between Microsoft and Motorola and Oracle against Google.

Apple alleges Samsung has copied screen icons and phone packaging and several elements of the iPhone and iPad trade dress.iPad

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com