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Apple Seeks International Help to Obtain Samsung Evidence in DOJ Antitrust Case

By  |  April 9, 2026

Apple is escalating its legal battle in the ongoing U.S. antitrust case by seeking international assistance to obtain key evidence from Samsung, according to Apple Insider. The move comes as the discovery phase of the lawsuit continues to face significant delays and resistance.

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    The case stems from a lawsuit filed in March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice, which accused Apple of restricting competition through its tightly controlled hardware and software ecosystem. While Apple has spent months attempting to dismiss the claims, the case has since advanced into the evidence-gathering stage.

    However, that phase has proven contentious. According to Apple Insider, both Apple and Samsung have engaged in prolonged legal disputes over document requests, slowing progress considerably. Apple’s most recent filing indicates that it has been unable to secure critical materials from Samsung’s U.S. division.

    Samsung is considered a central figure in the case, as it is among the companies allegedly impacted by Apple’s business practices. Despite this, Samsung’s American arm has declined to provide the requested documents. Per Apple Insider, Samsung America argues that the materials sought are controlled by its parent company, Samsung Electronics, which is headquartered in South Korea.

    Faced with this roadblock, Apple is now invoking the Hague Convention, an international treaty that allows parties in civil cases to request evidence from foreign entities. According to Apple Insider, this legal mechanism is being used in an effort to compel Samsung’s South Korean parent company to produce the documents.

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    Apple’s filing emphasizes that its request is narrowly tailored and essential to building its defense. It also argues that there are no alternative means to access the information being sought, per Apple Insider. Previous attempts by other companies to use the Hague Convention in similar cases have failed when requests were deemed too broad, but Apple maintains its approach is specific enough to meet the treaty’s requirements.

    If the request is approved, Apple’s legal team will send a formal letter under the Hague Convention to Samsung Electronics in South Korea. While Samsung could challenge the request, any dispute would ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of South Korean authorities.

    The latest development highlights how slowly the case is progressing. According to Apple Insider, this is the first major update on the lawsuit since late 2025, despite ongoing litigation behind the scenes. With the case still in its early stages of discovery, it may take years before it reaches a resolution.

    Source: Apple Insider