Apple Continues Battle Against Competitors

We’ve discussed previously Apple’s penchant of suing manufacturers of accessories of its widely popular iPhone and iPad devices.  Now Apple is upping the ante by going after alleged infringers of the actual iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices. 

On April 15, 2011, Apple filed suit against Samsung for trademark, trade dress and patent infringement, alleging that Samsung purposely designed several of its recent Galaxy line of products after Apple’s hit iPad and iPhone devices.

Left: Apple’s iPad; Right: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab

In the Complaint, Apple details the worldwide popularity and critical acclaim of its devices, while asserting that Samsung has “slavishly” copied Apple’s innovative technology and distinctive designs.  The “slavish” copying allegedly includes the following:

• Trade Dress Infringement of U.S. Registration Nos. 3,470,983; 3,457,218; and 3,475,327.
• Trademark Infringement for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Registered Icon Trademarks.
• Unfair Business Practices based on the alleged Trade Dress Infringement.
• Patent Infringement of seven utility patents for multi-touch surfaces and scrolling operations.  U.S. Patent Nos. 7,812,828; 7,669,134; 6,493,002; 7,469,381; 7,844,915; 7,853,891; and 7,863,533.
• Patent Infringement of three design patents for a graphical user interface and electronic devices.  U.S. Patent Nos. D627,790; D602,016; and D618,677.

In a counter move to Apple’s lawsuit, Samsung has sued Apple in South Korea, Japan and Germany alleging that Apple’s iPhone and iPad infringe 10 mobile technology patents.  Stay tuned…