Samsung hits back at LG in patents row

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's Samsung has hit back at rival LG in a patents row over next-generation display panels, with both firms accusing the other of stealing technology and senior staff to grab a lead in the market.

Samsung Display, an affiliate of Samsung Electronics, asked a Seoul patents court last week to annul seven patents related to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel technologies held by LG, a company spokesman said on Monday.

Samsung argued that the technologies lacked the originality and innovation to warrant a patent.

"These are typical legal steps to defend a company's stance in a patent infringement suit," the Samsung spokesman told the Agence France-Presse.