Samsung files suits against Apple

Samsung Electronics Co. filed four lawsuits against Apple Inc. in the Netherlands and the first hearing in the cases is scheduled for Sept. 26, according to The Hague court.

“There will be hearings on four different suits,” according to a court spokeswoman, who didn’t want to comment on the content of the complaints and declined to be identified citing court policy.

Dutch website Webwereld.nl reported Samsung is claiming the Cupertino, Calif.-based company’s iPhone and iPad that use 3G technology infringe Samsung patents. Samsung is seeking a ban of the sale of such products in The Netherlands, Webwereld said.

The legal battle between Apple and rival smartphone makers is intensifying as an increasing number of consumers use smartphones and wireless handsets to surf the Web, play games and download music and videos. Samsung lost a preliminary court ruling over sales of its Galaxy S, S II and Ace smartphones in the country in another patent dispute with Apple last month.

Samsung declined to comment on the planned hearing. Apple didn’t have an immediate comment.