Apple could halt US launch of Samsung Galaxy S3

An Apple lawyer said the iPhone and iPad maker may seek a legal order to stop the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3 phone in the United States later this month.

At a hearing yesterday in a San Jose, California federal court, Apple attorney Josh Krevitt said the company could file for a temporary restraining order against Samsung as early as today.

"Once sales are made, the harm is irreparable," Krevitt said.

However, US District Judge Lucy Koh said she has many other cases. If Apple decides to seek a restraining order, it would likely delay a July trial date over different Samsung phones, as well as the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Once sales are made, the harm is irreparable.

"I cannot be an Apple v. Samsung judge," Koh said.

Apple sued Samsung for patent infringement last year, accusing the South Korean electronics maker of "slavishly" copying the iPhone and iPad. Samsung denies the claims and countersued.

Apple's comments on Thursday came a day after Samsung Electronics, the world's largest smartphone vendor, expanded its CEO's role to include oversight of corporate strategy across the entire Samsung Group - a conglomerate of more than 80 companies.

Choi Gee-sung, 61, spearheaded Samsung's ascension to smartphone and TV leadership and his elevation signals that the storied South Korean conglomerate is grooming its next leader.