Apple looks to ban the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note

PATENTS BULLY Apple is looking to hit Samsung where it hurts by seeking a ban on its popular Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note smartphones.

Not to be confused with the recent court case that saw Apple score over $1bn in damages from its rival Samsung, Apple's latest complaint relates to a case dating back to February. At the time, Apple alleged that 17 Samsung phones infringe its patents including slide-to-unlock and universal search.

On Friday, Apple added four more Samsung products to the list of devices it wants banned, including the firm's best-selling Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note handsets. Other devices that could soon be cleared from US shelves include the Galaxy S2, Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet.

Apple's updated complaint reads, "Samsung has systematically copied Apple's innovative technology and products, features, and designs, and has deluged markets with infringing devices in an effort to usurp market share from Apple.

"Instead of pursuing independent product development, Samsung slavishly copied Apple's innovative technology, with its elegant and distinctive user interfaces product design, in violation of Apple's valuable intellectual property rights."

A preliminary hearing will be held later this month on 20 September, where US District Court Judge Lucy Koh will hear Apple's latest case against Samsung.

Neither Apple nor Samsung were available for comment at the time of publication. µ