Samsung sought a legal injunction against Apple's new iPhone to block iPhone 4s sales in Australia. The company has filed lawsuits against the iPhone 4s in 10 different countries including Japan, France and Italy. Korean company Samsung appealed to the New South Wales Registry alleging that the iPhone 4s violates three of Samsung's internet data patents. “Apple has continued to violate our patent rights and free ride on our technology,” Samsung said in a statement. “We will steadfastly protect our intellectual property.” The iPhone 4s has had unprecedented popularity with pre-orders of more than 1 million even before its launch. Considering its popularity and Apple's loyal customer base, Foad Fadaghi, Telsyte Research Director has labelled the lawsuit a “risky move” that could “backfire” on Samsung. “There is a risk Samsung could upset existing iPhone users, particularly as many existing iPhone users would not consider upgrade to an Android device (like those Samsung make),” said Fadaghi. “For the average punter it is going to be very confusing even once they get past the initial shock of not being able to buy what they want to. It could have negative consequences for Samsung.” Analysts have labelled the move a revenge attack. Previous disputes saw Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 blocked from sale in Australia after Apple claimed that it looked too much like the iPad. Steve Park, Apple Korea spokesman said, “This kind of blatant copying is wrong, and we need to protect Apple's intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.” Patents consultant Florian Mueller said Samsung was unlikely to succeed in having the iPhone 4s banned in Australia. “Australian judges understand patent issues very well and I cannot see them decide this case in a way that would put the whole world at risk (of lawsuits),” Mueller said. “I cannot see it happen based on the three patents that Samsung describes. If in the future they come up with more patents we may see a lot more of this though.” Analysts predict that a cross-licensing deal between the rival companies could be a possible ending to the dispute. Smartphone sales have become critical to Samsung profits. Samsung's mobile business is expected to account for more than 50 percent of operating profit in the third quarter thereby overtaking Apple in smartphone sales. BM
