Apple Seeks Samsung’s South Korean Documents Amidst DOJ Antitrust Battle
In a significant development within the ongoing antitrust litigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Apple has escalated its defense strategy by seeking internal documents from Samsung’s headquarters in South Korea. This move underscores the intensifying legal battle over allegations that Apple has monopolized the smartphone market.
Background of the Antitrust Case
The DOJ, along with 16 states, filed a lawsuit against Apple in March 2024, accusing the tech giant of maintaining an illegal monopoly over the smartphone market. The complaint alleges that Apple imposes restrictive contractual terms and withholds critical access points from developers, thereby stifling competition and innovation. These practices are said to undermine apps and services that could reduce consumer reliance on the iPhone, promote interoperability, and lower costs for both consumers and developers. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/gallery/justice-department-sues-apple-monopolizing-smartphone-markets?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s Pursuit of Samsung’s Documents
As part of its defense, Apple has identified Samsung as a pivotal competitor in the smartphone industry. The company contends that access to Samsung’s internal documents is essential to demonstrate the competitive dynamics of the market. In April 2026, Apple formally requested a U.S. court to obtain these documents from Samsung’s South Korean parent company. This request was made under the Hague Evidence Convention, an international treaty facilitating the exchange of evidence across borders. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/09/apple-subpoenas-samsung-in-doj-case/?utm_source=openai))
Resistance from Samsung and DOJ’s Objections
Samsung’s U.S. subsidiary, Samsung Electronics America, declined to produce the requested documents, arguing that they are held exclusively by its South Korean parent company. This refusal prompted Apple to seek the documents directly from South Korea. The DOJ has criticized Apple’s timing in this endeavor, labeling it as a waste of time due to its lateness in the discovery process. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/21/apples-samsung-korea-demand-prompts-doj-rebuke-in-antitrust-lawsuit?utm_source=openai))
Implications for the Antitrust Case
Apple’s insistence on obtaining Samsung’s internal documents highlights the company’s commitment to mounting a robust defense against the DOJ’s allegations. By demonstrating the competitive nature of the smartphone market, Apple aims to refute claims of monopolistic behavior. However, the DOJ’s objections suggest that this legal maneuver could complicate and prolong the litigation process.
Conclusion
The pursuit of Samsung’s documents by Apple adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing antitrust case. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of this document request could significantly influence the strategies and arguments presented by both Apple and the DOJ.
