Extends legal battles to new level

Apple is suing Samsung over cases for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as well as an assortment of cellphones, Bloomberg reports. At a court hearing in Sydney, Australia, Apple said it has issued a notice of infringement to Samsung, and will file a statement of claim. Samsung is accused of violating patents and registered designs; a lawyer for the company, Katrina Howard, elaborated that the cases are accused of infringing at least 10 patents.

The hearing in question was actually related to a different matter, in which Apple attempted to convince Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett to delay a trial involving Samsung accusations that the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPad 2 infringe on 3G networking patents. Apple lawyer Stephen Burley argued that more time was needed to gather evidence, and find experts to submit reports.

In opposing Apple, Howard noted that Samsung had dropped efforts at a temporary injunction against the Apple devices and instead agreed to an early hearing. Samsung would be "severely prejudiced" if the trial were delayed, Howard said. Bennett nevertheless deferred a decision on Apple's petition, and a new hearing is scheduled for February 3rd. Both Apple and Samsung have been asked to keep accumulating evidence and expert testimonies.

The accessory lawsuit is just one of over 30 legal complaints Apple and Samsung have filed against each other. The companies have already traded some minor victories and defeats, but any final outcomes are still distant unless settlements are reached.

By Electronista Staff