Skip to main content

Apple sues to block Samsung phones and tablets in Japan

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple has filed suit with the Tokyo District Court in Japan seeking to block sales of the Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy S II smartphones, along with the Galaxy Tab 7 Android tablet. Apple says the devices violate patent on its iPhone and iPad devices, and the products are essentially efforts to copy Apple’s popular mobile products. According to Reuters, the first hearing in the case was held on Wednesday, although there’s no word on when the Tokyo court might make a ruling. Apple is reportedly seeking ¥100 million (about US$1.3 million) in damages along with a ban on sale of the devices.

The Japanese lawsuit is the latest front in a broad legal battle between Apple and Samsung over its Galaxy smartphones and Android tablets. The two companies are already engaged in patent battles over the devices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Korea. So far, Apple has managed to inflict some damage on Samsung, with a recent order barring the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 in Germany causing the device to be pulled from the IFA show floor this week. Apple accuses Samsung of “slavishly” copying Apple products. Samsung, of course, has countersued Apple.

Samsung has had success against the iPhone and iPad in Japan: according to Strategy Analytics, the Samsung Galaxy S sold better than the Apple iPhone in Japan in the first quarter of 2011, and Japanese mobile carrier NTT DoCoMo just launched a version of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 on its 4G LTE mobile broadband network.

NTT DoCoMo does not seem worried about the suit. In comments to IDG News, DoCoMo chief Ryuji Yamada says Samsung has assured the company that Apple will not be able to win an injunction on sales in Japan.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
When is my phone getting Android 14? Here’s everything we know
Android 14 logo on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Android 14 is out now, and as usual, the first to get it was Google's own Pixel phone family. Not to be undone, Samsung pushed out its version of Android 14 — One UI 6 — after a relatively short beta period and has seemingly now completed its Android 14 rollout. Nothing, the new phone company on the block, has done the same. Now, we're just waiting for more news from Motorola, who has become the stick in the mud holding everyone up.

If you're rocking an Android phone that is still stuck on an old build, here's everything we know about official Android 14 rollout plans for all major brands available in the U.S. market. We recommend using your device's Find on page function to pinpoint your device on this list.

Read more
OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: a close call
OnePlus Watch 2 against the Galaxy Watch 6.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (left) and OnePlus Watch 2 Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends

OnePlus has found a unique niche in the smartphone business with a venerable lineup of impressive Android phones. While OnePlus has occasionally stumbled, for the most part, it has produced a consistently strong smartphone lineup.

Read more