Apple asks for verdict after Samsung 'misconduct'

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - With a major patent trial barely underway, Apple has asked a judge to rule against Samsung, saying lawyers for the South Korean firm improperly disclosed information excluded in court in a bid to sway jurors.

An Apple court document released on Thursday said Samsung issued a statement to the press with data excluded from the trial, which began in San Jose Monday on patent infringement over smartphones and tablet computers.

"Apple seeks a finding that Samsung and its counsel have engaged in bad faith litigation misconduct by attempting to prejudice the jury," the motion to Judge Lucy Koh said.

"Samsung apparently believes that it is above the law, and that it - not this court - should decide what evidence the jury should see." According to court documents, Samsung provided media with a statement on Tuesday expressing displeasure with the judge's exclusion of evidence.