Samsung Ramps Up Patent War Against Apple

The South Korean handset maker dropped its countersuit against Apple in northern California, and instead combined those allegations into its argument against Apple's claim that Samsung copied the iPhone and iPad designs.

Samsung then countersued Apple, saying in fact things were the other way around.

If it caves, Samsung's business manufacturing Android phones could suffer under the weight of copyright payments to Apple.

After the original suit, and countersuits by Samsung in various jurisdictions around the world, Apple got to peek at Samsung's new devices for possible copyright infringement but judges denied Samsung the same privilege.

Apple meanwhile should be fine even if it falls out with Samsung, as TSMC and even IBM are reportedly eager to fill Samsung's shoes.

Samsung's complaint involves all "mobile electronic devices, including wireless communication devices, portable music and data processing devices, and tablet computers." The latest move from Samsung comes amid a deepening legal dispute with Apple.

In April, Apple sued Samsung, saying its Galaxy lineup of Android smartphones and tablet PCs duplicated its own iPad and iPhone lines.

Samsung countersued with claims that Apple infringed on patents for its communication technology.

Samsung is now demanding prototypes of the iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Apple and Samsung have been at each other's throats despite their heavy interdependence.

For Samsung, Apple is consequently one of its largest clients.

Samsung is the world’s second- largest maker of mobile phones.

Cupertino, California-based Apple sued Samsung at the San Jose court in April, alleging Galaxy phones and tablet computers “slavishly” copy the iPhone and iPad. Samsung, which supplies memory chips to Apple, responded with counter-suits.