Apple Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Samsung for violating its patents and copying the look of Apple’ iPhone and iPad for the design of the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and Galaxy Tab. This was revealed in a report by the Wall Street Journal.
According to the suit, Samsung has infringed on patents of Apple with regards to the Samsung Galaxy phones and tablet operates as well as copying the color and rectangular shape of the iPhone and iPad.
The news has led to a some technology blogs suggesting Apple is declaring war on Google’s Android devices. The Galaxy phones and tablets run Google’s Android OS. This is a strange suit as Samsung manufactures chips for Apple devices.
According to an Apple Spokesman, Steve Dowling, the new latest devices from Samsung looked very much like the iPhone and iPad. He said the new Samsung devices had their shape, user interface and also the packaging appearing very similar to the Apple devices. He is calling this remarkable look alike as no coincidence. He said it was a cear case of copying Apple’s ideas and must be stopped.
This Apple lawsuit comes after Apple filed a patent infringement lawsuit against HTC that claimed HTC infringed on 20 pattents on the iPhones user interface, architecture and the look of the hardware. A lot of HTC’s products operate the Android OS as well.
During last month’s launch of the iPad 2, Steve Jobs called out Samsung as one of the tablet manufacturers competing to make thi year the “year of the copycats.”
The suit is accusing Samsung of violating seven patents related to the iPhone and iPad. Apple claims Samsung copied the user interface of the iPhone and iPad including how the devices react to user gestures like zooming, pinching and scrolling. Samsung is also accused of copying the flat black design of the face of the iPhone and iPad.
The suit also says Samsung copied the shape of the iPhone and iPad incuding the rectangular shape and rounded corners of the Apple devices. Apple is also claiming Samsung copied certain icons used on the iPhone and iPad that are trademarked icons. Apple is also acusing Samsung of Copying its packaging.
The lawsuit seeks to put a stop to any future usage of its patents and trademarks. It also seeks to get cash compensation from Samsung for infringing on Apple’s interlectual property rights.
Apple is not the only one seeking to take on Google’s Android. Both Apple and Microsoft have also filled lawsuits against Motorola over patent infringements.
