If you've got in the habit of mapping out Apple and Samsung's legal challenges around the globe, chances are your atlas is already covered in a healthy array of pins by now.

And, according to The Korea Times, Samsung's next attack on Apple will take place on its home soil, with the paper reporting the firm will seek to block the sale of iPhone 5 in the country upon launch.

Patent play

Samsung alleges Apple's devices operate in violation of its patents, with an unnamed senior executive from the company claiming its legal response to the launch of the next iPhone will be immediate.

"Just after the arrival of the iPhone 5 here, Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung's wireless technology related patents," said the unnamed executive.

"For as long as Apple does not drop mobile telecommunications functions, it would be impossible for it to sell its i-branded products without using our patents.

 

"We will stick to a strong stance against Apple during the lingering legal fights."

The two firms are currently engaged in a total of 23 pending lawsuits across the globe, though, according to another unnamed Samsung executive cited by the paper, just one may hold the key.

Germany or bust

"We are taking different tactics since we are quite confident," said the insider.

"If Samsung wins in Germany that will give us a big breakthrough and so will other envisioned efforts against such products as the iPhone 5."

Despite this apparent internal focus on just one case, Samsung continues to open up new fronts in the war on the outside. Adding to an anticipated challenge in Korea, Samsung has filed a counter claim against Apple in Australia, according to Reuters.

Samsung was forced to delay to the launch of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the country owing to a legal challenge by its US rival.

In its counter claim, the company asserts Apple's claims against Galaxy Tab were invalid and should be revoked by courts in the country, as well as alleging Apple's iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad 2 conversely all infringe its patents.

[source: The Korea Times]