The legal battle over Samsung allegedly stealing design ideas from Apple has still been happening behind closed doors. Not long ago, Apple requested access to Samsung’s yet-to-be-released models of smartphones and tablets in order to determine whether these new devices also made such an infringement. To retort, Samsung requested that they see Apple’s new products, so as to even the playing field.

Well, Apple says this would solve nothing, as Samsung in the one under the microscope. Apple is known for keeping its lips tight when it comes to future products and they have released a statement stating:

“Samsung’s Motion to Compel is an improper attempt to harass Apple by demanding production of extremely sensitive trade secrets that have no relevance to Apple’s likelihood of success on its infringement claims or to a preliminary injunction motion. Apple made a compelling showing in its motion to expedite discovery that Apple needs samples of products that Samsung has already announced, distributed, and described, so that Apple can evaluate whether to file a preliminary injunction motion against those products, which look strikingly similar to the distinctive trade dress of Apple’s current products. Samsung has made no such showing about Apple’s future products. Therefore, Samsung’s Motion to Compel should be denied.”

Well, now it’s for the courts to decide. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. According to MacRumors, Samsung has until Friday to produce the samples Apple has requested, or else Apple can make a request effectively barring the release of new Samsung products. Also, Apple is allegedly referring to Samsung as “the copyist.” Yes, they went there.

[Via MacRumors]