Samsung is asking the International Trade Commission (ITC) to step into its patent battle with Apple.
Samsung on Tuesday filed a complaint with the D.C.-based organization, asking ITC Secretary James Holbein to conduct an investigation into Apple regarding "certain mobile electronic devices, including wireless communication devices, portable music and data processing devices, and tablet computers."
The ITC will have to decide whether or not to consider the complaint.
The move comes about two months after Apple sued Samsung for copying the look and feel of its iPhone and iPad with its Galaxy S line of smartphones and tablets, among other devices. Samsung responded with a countersuit that targeted Apple for infringing on five patents relating to wireless networking technology.
It appears the ITC complaint focuses on the Samsung patents. According to Bloomberg, which reviewed the complaint, Samsung "seeks to block U.S. imports of the iPhone, iPod and iPad."
"Each of the asserted patents is important to Samsung's success in the highly competitive industry of mobile electronic devices by providing Samsung with features that are highly desirable to consumers," Samsung wrote.
In total, Samsung filed suits in three separate courts: in the Seoul Central District Court in Korea citing five patent infringements; in a Tokyo, Japan court citing two patent infringements; and in Manheim, Germany citing three patent infringements.
"Samsung is responding actively to the legal action taken against us in order to protect our intellectual property and to ensure our continued innovation and growth in the mobile communications business," a spokeswoman said at the time.
Infringements cited in the filings include: HSPA telecommunications technology for transmission optimization and reduction of power usage during data transmission; WCDMA telecommunications technology for reducing date transmission errors; and technology for tethering a mobile phone to a PC to enable the PC to utilize the phone's wireless data connection, Samsung said.
Apple, meanwhile, has accused Samsung of "slavishly copy Apple's innovative technology, distinctive user interfaces, and elegant and distinctive product and packaging design, in violation of Apple's intellectual property rights."
For PCMag mobile analyst Sascha Segan's take on Apple's effort, see Apple's Sloppy, Fearful Samsung Lawsuit.