Apple has sued Samsung for “slavishly” copying its handset and tablet designs. Apple said that Samsung’s Galaxy S handset and Galaxy Tab violated ten of its patents around the look and design of its iPhone and iPad.
“Instead of pursuing independent product development, Samsung has chosen to slavishly copy Apple’s innovative technology, distinctive user interfaces, and elegant and distinctive product and packaging design,” the suit argues, according to the Financial Times.
The suit notes says the Samsung devices too closely mimic the rounded corners of Apple’s devices, as well as the design of its app icons.
The suit is the latest in a string of patent arguments between mobile leaders, and Samsung has already suggested it plans a counter suit. “Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property,” a spokesperson said.
The move didn’t come as a surprise to some analysts. “There has already been criticism that Samsung copied too much from Apple [in its Galaxy phones],” Bae Sung-young, a market analyst at Hyundai Securities, told Reuters.
However, as Samsung is a major supplier of chips to Apple, he doesn’t expect the suit to be too damaging. “Whether they like it or not, [Apple and Samsung] have to work together.”
