Ever since Apple launched its iPhone, it's been an open secret that Samsung makes many of the components inside it - in fact Samsung's CEO has admitted, 'Apple is our biggest customer.'
But ever since Samsung launched its own Galaxy series of phones and tablets - high-powered touchscreens whose flagship, the Galaxy S II, currently outpaces iPhone on the processing front - legal war has erupted between the companies in nine countries.
This week, a Samsung source revealed Samsung was considering legal action to ban Apple's upcoming iPhone 5 in Europe - after an executive admitted a similar move in Samsung's native Korea was planned.
Too similar? Samsung's Galaxy touschscreens and iPhone are the subject of a bitter legal dispute in several countries
A Samsung executive told the Korea Times this week, 'When the iPhone 5 arrives here, Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung's wireless technology related patents.'
This is in response to Apple's continued legal action against Samsung's Galaxy family of touchscreen tablets and smartphones - some of which are currently illegal in Europe, thanks to Apple lawsuits claiming they are 'slavish' copies of iPhone and iPad.
Samsung recently overtook Nokia in the smartphone market, and its Galaxy S II offers a larger screen and faster processor than iPhone 4 - and has been a huge hit among geeky smartphone connoisseurs.
This month, Apple even forced Samsung to withdraw a prototype tablet device from the show floor of a Berlin electronics show. Samsung's larger Galaxy 10.1 tablet remains illegal in Europe thanks to Apple's legal action.
The Maeil Business Newspaper reported that the South Korean firm may seek an injunction against Apple's new iPhone in Europe. Samsung said it would not comment on ongoing legal issues.
Legal battle rages between Apple and Samsung over alleged 'similarities between their touchscreen smartphones and handsets
The two technology firms have been locked in intensifying legal battles in nine countries over their flagship smartphone and tablet products - battles made more complex by the fact that many related patents are held by other internet giants such as Google and Microsoft.
The latest attacks come after Apple successfully blocked Samsung from selling its latest tablets in Germany and some smartphone models in the Netherlands and forced its rival to delay launching new tablets in Australia.
After Apple's latest legal victory in Germany earlier this month, Samsung said it would take all available legal options.
Apple first sued Samsung in April, claiming its strongest competitor had 'slavishly' copied its product designs, and Samsung had since counter-sued, arguing Apple infringed on its mobile technologies.
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