Apple Wants Samsung Records from South Korea to Fight DOJ Lawsuit

Apple is trying to build a strong defense against the United States government. The Department of Justice sued the company earlier this year, claiming it runs an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. With the lawsuit now in the discovery phase, both sides are busy digging up evidence.



To prove its case, Apple wants to look at internal data from its biggest rival, Samsung.



Asking a judge to step in after the American branch of Samsung refused to share data



Getting those files is proving to be a massive headache. Apple originally asked the American branch of Samsung for these documents directly. That subsidiary said no. It rejected the formal request dozens of times, firmly claiming its parent company in South Korea holds all the important information and decision-making power.



Because of this stubborn roadblock, Apple is asking a federal judge to step in. The company filed a motion using the Hague Evidence Convention. If approved, the court will directly ask South Korean officials for the records. This is a rare move, but Apple feels it has no other viable choice to get the facts it needs.



Why Apple needs this specific market information to fight the ongoing government lawsuit



Apple thinks this information will clearly prove the smartphone market is actually highly competitive. It specifically wants to see how people switch between devices, especially when using the Smart Switch app. The company is also looking for details on smartwatch sales, digital wallet fees, and Galaxy Store deals.



The government argues Apple hurts competition by charging banks a fee for digital payments while Samsung does not. Apple wants to look at its rival's financial numbers to poke holes in that exact argument. You can read Apple’s complete motion here.



Even if the judge agrees, South Korean authorities will make the final call. Samsung can also use local privacy laws to fight the order. We just have to wait and see what happens next.