Apple sues Samsung for $2bn in fresh bout of litigation
Apple has launched a fresh round of litigation against its South Korean rival after suing Samsung for $2bn for ‘systematically’ pilfering key features for its latest handsets.
The stratospheric sum translates to $40 per device and is the highest amount ever claimed by the Californian tech giant, potentially amounting to as much as $2bn if successful.
For its part Apple stands to lose just $6m if its claim is unsuccessful.
It centres on claims that Samsung copied tap-from-search technology which allowed browsers searching for a telephone number or address to simply tap it to call that number or locate it on a map.
Apple further alleges that Samsung ripped off its slide-to-unlock home screen feature.
The latest salvo in the never-ending courtroom drama is taking place in San Jose, California and follows a previous dispute in which Samsung was ordered to pay $900m for infringing Apple payments – which it is currently appealing.
In its claim Apple said: “Apple revolutionised the market in personal computing devices. Samsung, in contrast, has systematically copied Apple's innovative technology and products, features and designs, and has deluged markets with infringing devices."
Samsung rebuts these claims however, saying: “Samsung has been a pioneer in the mobile device business sector since the inception of the mobile device industry. Apple has copied many of Samsung's innovations in its Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad products."