Apple sues Samsung over patent infrigement

Apple Inc is suing Samsung Electronics Co on allegations that the electronics maker's Galaxy phones and tablet computers infringe patents and the appearance of iPhone and iPad, over which the company has a trademark.

According to Apple, Samsung's products infringe seven of its patents related to the manner in which the devices understand user gestures, including selecting, scrolling, pinching and zooming. The complaint further claims infringement of three patents on the design, including the flat black face of the iPhone and iPad.

Apple says Samsung has also copied the on-screen icons, as also trademarks for certain icons which include green boxes with phones or a sunflower for photos. The company further claims the packaging is copied.

''Instead of pursuing independent product development, Samsung has chosen to slavishly copy Apple's innovative technology, distinctive user interfaces, and elegant and distinctive product and packaging design, in violation of Apple's valuable intellectual property rights,'' Apple said in the complaint.

The iPhone maker is seeking a court order blocking further use of its patents and trademarks in addition to cash compensation and  ''reasonable funds for future corrective advertising.''

Analysts say the case highlights the increasing clashes between technology companies over the expanding market for smartphones. Apple is embroiled in a patent fight with Motorola Mobility Holdings, as is Microsoft Corp.

Lawyers for Apple are also arguing before a federal trade panel in Washington that HTC Corp, another Adroid user is infringing other patents.

The case has been registered under Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., 11-cv- 01846, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (Oakland).