Apple has yet to announce the iPhone 5, but Samsung is apparently already making plans to target it with patent lawsuits as the intellectual property dispute between the two companies continues to escalate. Word of Samsung's plans comes from a "senior executive" at the company and was reported to The Korea Times.
"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, asking not to be identified.
"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."
Samsung is stepping up its attacks on Apple's products after courts in several countries have issued injunctions barring Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab devices in those markets following complaints of intellectual property infringement from Apple.
Samsung is unable to make any preemptive strikes against the iPhone 5 because Apple has yet to reveal any details on the device, meaning that Samsung has no product against which to lodge infringement claims at this time. But Samsung is clearly preparing its case based on patents it owns related to basic wireless technology, which the iPhone 5 will no doubt be using. Once the device is introduced, Samsung will be free to make its infringement claims against Apple and the iPhone 5.
The report from The Korea Times also briefly cites unspecified "officials" who claim that the iPhone 5 will include near-field communication (NFC) technology. Reports thus far have been uncertain about whether such technology would appear in the iPhone 5 or be held for the iPhone 6, but general consensus has been leaning toward NFC not being included in the iPhone 5.
