Samsung extends dispute with Apple in Europe

Samsung has launched a patent complaint against Apple in France, just days after losing a court dispute in neighbouring Germany.

The complaint is for infringement of three of Samsung's mobile phone technology patents by Apple's iPhone and iPad models.

It does not consider unit design, which was the focus of the German court action. In that case, Apple said the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 looked too much like Apple's iPad 2.

Despite Samsung's protests, the German court agreed, banning sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany last week.

Samsung says it will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, the French case is due to be heard in December.