Samsung sues Huawei
TECH giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said yesterday it sued Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for patent infringements through multiple courts in China, escalating a legal conflict between the smartphone rivals.
The suits marked the latest salvo in a fight between the world’s No. 1 and No. 3 smartphone makers, who competed fiercely across the world in an industry that researcher IHS said was worth US$332 billion (RM1.35 trillion) this year.
The South Korean firm sued Huawei in a Beijing court about two weeks ago for allegedly infringing six of its patents, said a spokesman.
Shenzhen-based Huawei, also one of the world’s largest telecom equipment manufacturers, said it had not received a “formal complaint” but would defend itself as necessary.
“In the absence of a negotiated settlement, litigation is often an efficient way to resolve intellectual property rights disputes,” it said.
Huawei sued Samsung in the United States and China in May, accusing its rival of infringement on patents for fourth-generation (4G) cellular communications technology, operating systems and user interface software.
Chinese technology companies have often been on the receiving end of such suits, so Huawei’s US litigation marked something of a reversal of roles reflecting its growing clout in the global telecommunications and smartphone markets.
CIMB analyst Lee Do-hoon said neither company was likely to be motivated by monetary compensation from the legal battle.
Huawei could be angling to boost its reputation by taking on the top smartphone player, he said, while Samsung’s suit might be a manoeuvre to force Huawei to settle its claims as soon as possible.
“Huawei might also be trying to create some noise marketing for itself,” he said, adding that he expected the two firms to eventually reach a deal such as a cross-licensing agreement. Reuters
TECH RIVALS: China firm accused of infringing 6 patents
one of the world’s largest telecom equipment manufacturers, says it has not received a ‘formal complaint’ about patent infringements but will defend itself as necessary. Bloomberg pic