Apple sues Samsung in Japan

Apple has initiated a new lawsuit against Samsung, this time in Japan. Reuters reports that Apple is suing Samsung for similar patent violations relating to the iPhone and the iPad as it has in several other countries around the world. It is the latest in a string of lawsuits and counter-suits between the two companies in an ongoing and increasingly acrimonious battle unfolding across several continents.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has filed a suit with the Tokyo District Court and, as in its other suits against Samsung, sought the immediate suspension of Samsung's Galaxy phones and tablets. Apple has also sought $1.3 million in damages, although what that amount pertains to is not yet clear.

Neither company has yet commented on the latest case. It follows action taken by Apply that has seen it successful in halting sales of the Samsung Galaxy range of products in countries including Australia and Germany. Last week the iPhone and iPad maker successfully forced Samsung to remove its Galaxy Tab 7.7 from its display at the German IFA trade show.

The Japanese market is proving to be a key battle ground in the iPhone vs Android war. As in other countries, Android has shown strong growth in Japan. In May, figures showed that Android devices had a 57 percent share of the Japanese market, with Samsung proving to the most popular Android handset maker. At the same time, Apple held a market share of 38 percent, but held on to a strong lead as the overall single biggest selling handset manufacturer.

By Electronista Staff