In its pursuit of evidence for an ongoing antitrust case, Apple has filed a request to obtain internal documents from Samsung Electronics in South Korea. The U.S. Department of Justice, along with several states, initiated a lawsuit against Apple in March 2024, alleging monopolistic practices related to its App Store and control over key iPhone functionalities, which reportedly hinder competition in the smartphone market.
Currently, the case is in the discovery phase, where both parties exchange relevant documents and evidence. Apple’s latest filing seeks a formal letter of request under the Hague Evidence Convention to access business reports and data specific to Samsung's smartphone and smartwatch operations. This follows Samsung America’s refusal to provide documents claimed to be under the control of its Korean parent company.
Apple's action emphasizes its need for targeted evidence to bolster its defense against the allegations. The company aims to clarify competitive dynamics in the market by accessing Samsung's internal analyses, which it argues are crucial for its case.