Apple seeks evidence in South Korea in US antitrust case

Apple faces a lawsuit in the US where it is accused of stifling competition through proprietary hardware and software. The Department of Justice aims to prove that Apple prevents companies like Samsung from serving its customers easily.

Early in the evidence gathering phase, Samsung refused to cooperate with US requests for information. As a result, Apple sought help through the Hague Convention to involve the South Korean government and access evidence stored there.

Apple has been approved to use the Hague Convention and request the South Korean authorities to compel Samsung to produce relevant documents.

The request specifies that Samsung cannot provide data stored within its South Korean parent company's databases, arguing that it is not relevant. However, the DOJ argued that the delay in filing was excessive and that the request should be granted.

The court approved Apple's request, and now a formal request will be sent to the South Korean government to compel Samsung's compliance. The response from South Korea remains uncertain, and Samsung may oppose or refuse the order.

This case, initiated in March 2024, is still in its early stages and could take years to resolve. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Apple and antitrust authorities, with potential industry-wide implications.