iPhone 5 Release Date: Verizon Blasts Apple for Attempts to Ban Samsung Galaxy Products
Verizon Wireless has blasted Apple and asked the company to stop opposing the Galaxy series of Samsung products, saying that the continuing disputes between Apple and the Korean electronics powerhouse will hamper efforts to release 4G technology.
Verizon Wireless said in a filing in U.S. District Court in Northern California, “The investment depends on consumers having access to devices that can make use of that network. The accused Samsung devices are among the few products that can access Verizon Wireless's next-generation high-speed network,” according to Dow Jones Newswires.
“Because of factors that have little to do with the patented technology, there will be few alternatives to the Samsung 4G devices in the near term. It takes considerable time and effort to develop any 4G product-normally, much longer than a year,” the statement added.
It continued stating: “Any requirement that Samsung redesign its products in light of an injunction may cause long delays before the redesigned 4G devices are available to consumers.”
In July, Apple filed for a preliminary injunction in the United States against a number of Samsung’s 4G devices, in the hope of stopping those products from being distributed in the region.
That application included attempts to stop the release of the Galaxy S 4G, Infuse 4G and Droid Charge smartphones and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet.
Apple argues that Samsung has infringed on a number of patents relating to the screen technology, handset design and packaging.
Apple’s iPhone 4 has been sold by Verizon since February, and next generation iPhone 5 is rumored to be released next month.
Meanwhile Samsung is currently in the process of rolling out its Galaxy S2 across various networks in the United States. In the ongoing feud between the technology giants, Samsung has countersued Apple, claiming the iPad, iPod and iPhone in return infringed on Samsung-owned patents.