Samsung Files Patent Suit Against Apple

The South Korean company claims Apple copied many of its design features, covered in 10 alleged patent infringements, in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in California federal court.

"The ten infringements are related to mobile telecommunications and user interface technologies," said James Chung, a Samsung spokesman.

Samsung's counter-action is in response to Apple's suit against its line of Galaxy devices -- including the Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and Galaxy Tab -- which run on Google's Android platform, putting it as one of Apple's fiercest competitors.

Apple claims they copy the design of its iPhone and iPad, which Samsung denies. In response, Samsung countersued a week later in Asia and Europe, alleging Apple violated its patents covering cell phone transmission technologies.

Interestingly, Samsung, the world's second–largest handset maker behind Nokia, also supplies Apple with semiconductors and display panels.

Samsung and Apple join other phone makers and software firms in several lawsuits to determine just who owns which patents. Apple is also involved in litigation with Nokia, HTC and Motorola over smartphone patents.