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DOJ Pushes Back on Apple’s Bid to Obtain Samsung Documents in Antitrust Case

By  |  April 21, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally challenged a recent move by Apple to obtain documents from Samsung Electronics in South Korea, marking the latest development in the ongoing antitrust battle over alleged monopoly practices.

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    According to 9to5Mac, Apple recently sought access to records held by Samsung’s Korean parent company after Samsung’s U.S. division declined to provide the requested materials. Apple argues that the documents could shed light on key issues in the case, including competition in smartphone and smartwatch markets, how frequently users switch platforms, and whether Apple’s policies have had the anticompetitive effects alleged by regulators.

    Per 9 to 5 Mac, Samsung’s U.S. subsidiary stated that the relevant records are maintained exclusively by its South Korean parent, prompting Apple to petition a federal court in New Jersey to issue a formal international request. The company is relying on the Hague Evidence Convention, which allows courts to seek evidence from foreign jurisdictions in civil and commercial matters.

    If approved, the request would still face additional hurdles. South Korean authorities would need to decide whether to act on it, and Samsung could raise objections under local law that might limit or delay the production of documents.

    The Department of Justice, however, has taken issue with Apple’s timing and rationale. In a court filing, the DOJ argues that Apple has long been aware of Samsung’s importance to the case and should have acted sooner to secure the evidence. The government contends that Apple’s delay makes it unlikely the process will conclude before the deadline for fact discovery.

    Related: Apple Turns to Samsung for Evidence in US Antitrust Showdown

    The DOJ also emphasized that Apple’s request should not be used as grounds to extend the case timeline. “Under no circumstances should the complex and time-consuming foreign judicial process under the Hague Convention be grounds for further extending the close of fact discovery or otherwise delay trial in this matter—particularly in light of Apple’s decision to wait nine months before filing its motion,” the filing states.

    Per 9 to 5 Mac, the Justice Department clarified that it is not taking a stance on whether the court should approve Apple’s request. Instead, its focus is on ensuring that the litigation schedule remains intact despite the potential delays associated with international evidence gathering.

    The filing further notes that if the court does grant Apple’s request, the company “should bear the risk that some or all of the evidence it seeks from South Korea may not return in time.”

    The dispute highlights the procedural complexities of cross-border evidence collection as the high-profile antitrust case continues to move forward.

    Source: 9 to 5 Mac