June 07, 2011
The ongoing dispute between Samsung and Apple over their smart phone and tablet technology patents has seen another development this week as Samsung is suing Apple to obtain advance information about Apple’s new generation iPhone and iPad. Apple has already lodged a patent infringement claim against Samsung claiming that it copied Apple’s ‘technology, interface and innovative style’ on its Android smart phones and Tabs and has already obtained copies of prototypes from Samsung. As well as patent infringement, Apple is alleging trade mark infringement and unfair competition by Samsung. Samsung is suing Apple for patent infringement. Samsung and Apple have worked together many times in the past in relation to various supply contracts. The cases show the importance of having adequate protections in place to protect a business’ intellectual property. Arrangements such as agency and distribution agreements should be properly drafted, non disclosure agreements should be entered into where necessary and confidential information should only be disclosed to the other party where it is strictly necessary. It is also recommended to protect any intellectual property such as patents and trademarks through registration so that they can be more easily enforced.