Samsung threatens iPhone 5 legal action - report
Unnamed exec describes plan to block sale of device in Korea over patent issues
A senior executive at Samsung claims that the company is planning legal action to prevent iPhone 5 from being sold in Korea.
According to a report on ArsTechnica, an unnamed executive told The Korea Times that the action will take place "just after the launch" of the latest iteration of the iPhone.
"Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung's wireless technology related patents," the executive said.
"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."
This is the latest development in an ongoing patent struggle between the two companies. Apple initially took legal action in April, claiming that Samsung had "slavishly" copied the iPad for its Galaxy tablet. Samsung later counter-sued over patent infringements on its mobile devices.
So far, the law has favoured Apple, with company blocking the sale of Samsung tablets in Germany and indefinitely delaying their launch in Australia. It also won restrictions against Samsung smartphones in the Netherlands.
Despite Apple and Samsung's close working relationship - Apple is currently Samsung's number one customer - there are now at least 23 lawsuits pending between the two companies.
Reports suggest that the iPhone 5 will launch next month.