Samsung asks Japanese and Australian courts to block newest Apple iPhone

Samsung Electronics is asking Japanese and Australian courts to block sales of Apple’s new iPhone 4S in those countries.

The preliminary injunctions Samsung filed in Tokyo District Court and the Federal Court in Australia are part of an intensifying patent battle between the smartphone giants. Samsung says Apple Inc. continues to violate its patent rights and “free ride on our technology.” Samsung is also appealing an Australian court’s decision last week to temporarily ban sales of Samsung’s new Galaxy tablet computer. Apple accused Samsung of copying the iPad and iPhone and violating Apple’s patents. Samsung says it’s also asking a Japanese court to immediately bar sales of the iPhone 4 and iPad 2.