Following on from last week’s decision in Australian courts to ban sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 after Apple accused Samsung of “slavishly” copying its iPad tablet, Samsung has struck back with the filing of injunction requests in Australia and Japan over alleged patent infringement by the iPhone 4S, primarily relating to 3.5G modem technology.
This doesn’t come as much of a surprise as Samsung and Apple are currently waging war on various patent-related fronts in 10 countries. The question this writer asks is: does Samsung’s reactive approach to Apple’s legal challenges leave it at a disadvantage in this war?
It is evident from a recent Samsung statement that it will become more aggressive and “steadfastly protect” its intellectual property by no longer allowing Apple to “free ride” on its technology. However by seemingly waiting for the result of the Galaxy Tab hearing in Australia, Samsung seems to have missed the perfect window for filing an injunction request, with the obviously clear window having been prior to the iPhone 4S going on sale.
Thus far we have only really seen Apple on the attack with Samsung lashing back half-heartedly as it attempts to pick itself up from the ground, face swollen and eyes foggy after some well-placed blows from Apple. It’s not looking good for Samsung, you could say, but perhaps the results of these injunction requests could turn things around and instill the Korean giant with the confidence it needs to go on the attack against the even larger American consumer behemoth.
