Apple sues to block Samsung phones and tablets in Japan

By Geoff Duncan Published September 8, 2011

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

The OnePlus 13 may have already killed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The white OnePlus 13.

Did OnePlus, in October 2024, just announce one of the best smartphones of 2025? It very well may have, because OnePlus has officially launched the OnePlus 13.

Well, sort of. The OnePlus 13 is now available in China, though it'll be a while before it comes to the U.S. and other parts of the world. Although it'll likely be December or January before you and I get our hands on the OnePlus 13, the wait should be worth it. The OnePlus 13 already looks like one of next year's best phones — and it may have simultaneously caused the premature death of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The OnePlus 13 looks fantastic

Mobile

Here’s every iPhone and iPad that supports Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro.

Apple's WWDC 2024 keynote was one of the biggest ones that the company had made in years. During this keynote, the company showed us what we'd be getting in iOS 18, which includes some big user-requested features like more home screen customization, RCS messaging support, and more. But that's not all — this is the first iOS that brings AI into the iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence, as Apple calls it, is a powerful suite of AI tools that will help make your life even easier. From new writing tools and summarization features to image generation and the ability to create unique emojis, Apple Intelligence definitely looks impressive.

Mobile

Samsung just teased two folding phones we can’t wait for

A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are gaining in popularity. However, their high prices may deter many potential buyers. Samsung seems aware of this issue and plans to eventually introduce foldable models aimed at the lower end of the market.

On X (formerly Twitter), leaker @Jukanlosreve says that a Samsung executive recently highlighted the need to expand the reach of foldable phones. In a conference call, they noted that the company is “considering ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products, given the high satisfaction among existing foldable users.”