Samsung Already Planning to Target iPhone 5 with Patent Lawsuits - MacRumors
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Samsung Already Planning to Target iPhone 5 with Patent Lawsuits

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Apple has yet to announce the iPhone 5, but Samsung is apparently already making plans to target it with patent lawsuits as the intellectual property dispute between the two companies continues to escalate. Word of Samsung's plans comes from a "senior executive" at the company and was reported to The Korea Times.

"Just after the arrival of the iPhone 5 here, Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung's wireless technology related patents," said a senior executive from Samsung Electronics, asking not to be identified.

"For as long as Apple does not drop mobile telecommunications functions, it would be impossible for it to sell its i-branded products without using our patents. We will stick to a strong stance against Apple during the lingering legal fights."

Samsung is stepping up its attacks on Apple's products after courts in several countries have issued injunctions barring Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab devices in those markets following complaints of intellectual property infringement from Apple.

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Samsung is unable to make any preemptive strikes against the iPhone 5 because Apple has yet to reveal any details on the device, meaning that Samsung has no product against which to lodge infringement claims at this time. But Samsung is clearly preparing its case based on patents it owns related to basic wireless technology, which the iPhone 5 will no doubt be using. Once the device is introduced, Samsung will be free to make its infringement claims against Apple and the iPhone 5.

The report from The Korea Times also briefly cites unspecified "officials" who claim that the iPhone 5 will include near-field communication (NFC) technology. Reports thus far have been uncertain about whether such technology would appear in the iPhone 5 or be held for the iPhone 6, but general consensus has been leaning toward NFC not being included in the iPhone 5.

Tag: Korea Times
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

D
DESNOS
190 months ago
There needs to be a patent section. That would take care of most of the stories nobody wants to read.
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
andyr2120
190 months ago
Not good

This will not end well for anyone - not for Apple, Samsung, not even for consumers. Well, ok - lawyers will do just fine!
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
chrismarle
190 months ago
Ok. The phone has not even been announced and they are already planning to sue Apple for a device that they don't even have any details.

Samsung is such a troll.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Benjamins
190 months ago
"For as long as Apple does not drop mobile telecommunications functions, it would be impossible for it to sell its i-branded products without using our patents. We will stick to a strong stance against Apple during the lingering legal fights."

lol Samsung those are called standard essential patent, you are required to offer a fair licensing term ....
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
ThemacNub
190 months ago
Samsung's lawyers need to be given the death penalty - in every country that they exist.

And i guess Apples lawyers deserve the same then?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacinDoc Avatar
MacinDoc
190 months ago
lol Samsung those are called standard essential patent, you are required to offer a fair licensing term ....
As you say, Samsung can't refuse to offer Apple fair licensing terms for essential communications technology, other legal actions between the companies notwithstanding. Otherwise, no company other than Samsung could make mobile phones, and given the patent portfolios owned by other companies, even they couldn't make then due to the IP that Samsung has to license under fair licensing terms.

I quite dislike this whole line of thinking, though, to announce that you are going to sue someone for patent infringement on a product before you even know what they are making. Now we know why Samsung demanded to see prototypes of the iPhone 5 "and any future products".
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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