Apple sues Samsung for copying iPad, iPhone

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple has filed suit against Samsung, claiming that the Samsung Galaxy line too closely imitates the look and feel of the iPhone and iOS.

The lawsuit specifically calls out Samsung’s products like the Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and Galaxy Tab and goes on to state that, “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products.”

Mobilized is reporting an Apple representative has told them, “It’s no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging. This kind of blatant copying is wrong, and we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.”

This lawsuit is a bit more awkward than usual because Apple is not only Samsung’s competitor, but also one of its largest clients. Samsung currently supplies Apple with large quantities of flash memory, LCD displays and the A4 and A5 chips found in iPhone 4s and iPads.

There’s no word yet on what kind of damages Apple is seeking, but it’s likely that Apple would demand all devices be removed from the market should they win the suit.

I suppose the saying about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery doesn’t apply here.

Originally posted 2011-04-18 21:30:18.