South Korea based Samsung is planning to immediately sue the US based iPhone maker Apple alleging its release of products which use 4G long-term evolution (LTE) mobile technology.
According to a report from the Korean Times, Samsung is planning to hit its rival with a lawsuit if the Apple’s next iPhone is powered by its cellular data tech.
Apple’s 4G-ready device has already been launched into the market in its third generation iPad, while Samsung is expected to bid its time to chase a sales injunction against the the company’s next smartphone.
Samsung holds third-highest number of 4G LTE patents around the world to about 12% with Nokia holding the highest 18.9% share, followed by Qualcomm at 12.5%.
The new threat of a lawsuit follows Apple’s heated court battle over patent infringement with Samsung, in which a US judge had ordered its rival to pay out $1.05bn in damages.
Apple is also seeking a ban on Samsung’s eight devices which include Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S2 AT&T, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G, Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge and Galaxy Prevail.
The US District Court, Northern District of California has set 06 December 2012 as ruling on Apple’s request for a permanent ban on US sales of some of theSamsung Electronics’ mobile devices.
A hearing is also scheduled on 20 September 2012 by the court as per South Korean firm/s request to lift a preliminary sales ban on its Galaxy Tab 10.1 Tab.