Last week, we found out that Apple was bringing a fresh suit against Samsung - specifically, seeking a preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Nexus over four patents. Now the official complaint document has been posted by the court, and it turns out the suit is aimed at a lot more than just the beloved GNex, and involves more than the four patents initially mentioned. In fact, Apple explicitly names seventeen Samsung devices and cites eight of its patents.

The patents in question:

Or, for those of you that prefer things in text (also, so that you can copy and paste them elsewhere for the purpose of mockery):

System and method for performing an action on a structure in computer-generated data

Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system

Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image

Method, system, and graphical user interface for providing word recommendations

Missed telephone call management for a portable multifunction device

Graphical user interface using historical lists with field classes

Asynchronous data synchronization amongst devices

Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system

The 17(+) devices in question:

Phones US SGSII series: Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, Galaxy S II - T-Mobile, Galaxy S II - AT&T Galaxy Nexus Illusion Captivate Glide Exhibit II 4G Stratosphere Transform Ultra Admire Conquer 4G Dart

Media Players/Tablets Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and Galaxy Tab 8.9



I CAN SEE THE INFRINGEMENT FROM HERE. Also, jagged edges.

It's also worth noting Apple also leaves room for other infringing devices ("... at least 17 new infringing smartphones, media players, and tablets.")

So, what does it all mean? Well, for starters (and rather obviously), should Apple succeed on its motion for a preliminary injunction (extremely unlikely), the Samsung products in question couldn't be sold in the US until things were sorted. Then again, if Apple does win, Samsung would undoubtedly appeal the decision, just like Apple did when European courts found that the company infringed on Motorola's 3G patents, thereby gaining some additional breathing room.

But hey, let's hope the suit doesn't really make it anywhere, because let's be honest... the whole lawsuit spaghetti thing is getting old, and is just atrociously bad for innovation and competition.

[Source: Engadget (complaint PDF: mirror 1 mirror 2 ), FOSS Patents