Samsung is reportedly considering moves to block sales of Apple’s latest iPhone model in certain countries as patent disputes between the two companies continue.
Sources indicate that the South Korean electronics giant may seek court injunctions in South Korea and in parts of Europe to prevent sales of the iPhone 5 while legal proceedings unfold.
A person familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that the reports about a possible sales ban were “largely true.” The potential injunction is part of a broader series of patent battles between the firms taking place across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, the US, Australia and Japan.
Samsung has declined to confirm speculation, but the company has emphasized it will strongly contest allegations that its smartphone designs copy Apple models. In a statement, Samsung said it plans to pursue more assertive legal action against Apple rather than remain solely on the defensive. The company highlighted patents related to wireless communications standards—such as WCDMA and HSPA—as key to its strategy, noting that technologies essential to mobile devices could play a significant role in their legal cases.
The dispute follows earlier clashes, including a recent motion in Germany seeking to ban sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab after Apple alleged the tablet’s design infringed the iPad’s look and feel. As the litigation continues, both companies remain entrenched in a complex, multi-country legal fight over intellectual property and market competition.