Samsung plans to seek a ban on sales of the iPhone 5 in its home country of South Korea as soon as the device launches in the country, according to a new report. Citing various sources closely involved in the matter, the Korea Times reports that the move will be in retaliation to Apple’s ongoing suits against Samsung in a number of global markets.
“Just after the arrival of the iPhone 5 here, Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung’s wireless technology related patents,” said a senior executive from Samsung Electronics. “For as long as Apple does not drop mobile telecommunications functions, it would be impossible for it to sell its i-branded products without using our patents.
We will stick to a strong stance against Apple during the lingering legal fights.” As noted in the report, there are at least 23 lawsuits pending between the two companies worldwide, even as they retain a business relationship covering the sale and delivery of flash memory and microprocessors.
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