Apple Files ITC Complaint Against Samsung

The legal battle between Apple and Samsung, which erupted back in April, has only been escalating. Just last week Samsung filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) to block the import of Apple's iPod, iPhone, and iPad, a move following Apple's demands for an injunction on Samsung smartphones and tablets. Apple has now swung back with its own ITC complaint.

Apple first sued Samsung claiming their Galaxy series phones and tablets were copying the look and feel of the iPhone and iPad. This was promptly followed by counter-suits from Samsung claiming ten patent infringement cases against Apple. However, Apple later won early access to Samsung's upcoming phones and tablets, which elicited a request by the Korean company to ask the same of Apple's iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Unfortunately for Samsung, that request was denied.

Additional patent claims have been added over the last two months with neither side making any concessions. This battle has been surprising for analysts given Samsung's relationship with Apple as their main components supplier and Apple being Samsung's largest client. It's believed that an import ban on Samsung smartphones and tablets is highly unlikely and that the two companies will eventually have to settle with a cross-licensing deal.

[via Bloomberg]