Apple trying to limit consumer choice

The new list of 21 products includes Samsungs flagship smartphone Galaxy S III as well as the Galaxy Note,another popular Android phone. If the court finds those devices are infringing Apples patents and irreparably harming the US company,it could temporarily halt sales in the US market even before the trial begins.

The latest accusation is part of a larger,epic struggle over patents and innovation in one of the most lucrative consumer electronics sectors that is unfolding in 10 countries.

The biggest stakes are in the US,the worlds largest smartphone market in 2011. Last month,a jury in the San Jose court found that Samsung had copied Apples design innovations and Samsung was ordered to pay Apple 1.05 billion.

Samsung has vowed to appeal the verdict,all the way to the US Supreme Court if necessary.

On Saturday,Samsung denounced Apples attempt to halt sales of the S III,which hit the 10 million global sales mark in July,less than three months after its release.

Apple continues to resort to litigation over market competition in an effort to limit consumer choice, Samsung said in a statement. We will continue to take the necessary legal measures to ensure the availability of our innovative products in the US.