Apple Seeks South Korean Evidence in DOJ Antitrust Case

Apple has moved to obtain internal data from Samsung Electronics in South Korea as part of its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Government over alleged monopoly practices. The request follows a refusal by Samsung’s U.S. Subsidiary to provide specific records.

According to a filing on April 8, 2026, Apple is asking the court to issue a formal letter of request to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. In the Republic of Korea. This action is being pursued under the Hague Convention of 18 March 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Conflict Over Document Production

The move to involve the Hague Convention comes after Apple subpoenaed Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The U.S. Subsidiary objected to the document requests, asserting that it would not produce records that are in the sole possession, custody, or control of Samsung Electronics in South Korea.

By utilizing the Hague Evidence Convention, Apple seeks to compel the South Korean parent company to release internal materials that Samsung America claims it cannot access or provide.

Scope of Requested Evidence

Apple’s request specifically targets internal business data that could be relevant to the antitrust proceedings. The company is seeking the following categories of information from Samsung Electronics:

• Internal business reports
• Market analyses
• Data regarding Samsung’s smartphone business
• Data regarding Samsung’s smartwatch business
• Data regarding Samsung’s app store operations

These documents are intended to serve as evidence during the discovery phase of the litigation, where both the plaintiff and defendant exchange records and gather evidence to support their respective legal positions.

The Department of Justice Antitrust Case

The current request is a component of a larger antitrust lawsuit filed in March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice and a group of states. The lawsuit accuses Apple of maintaining a monopoly through several mechanisms designed to limit competition in the smartphone market and related services.

The DOJ’s allegations center on Apple’s use of:

• App Store rules that restrict third-party developers
• Developer restrictions that limit the functionality of competing services
• Control over key iPhone features to disadvantage competing products

The case has progressed into the discovery phase after Apple’s initial attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed was unsuccessful.

Regulatory Context in South Korea

Apple’s legal and regulatory challenges in South Korea extend beyond the current U.S. Discovery requests. Records from March 21, 2021, indicate that Apple previously sought the assistance of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to address multiple issues in the region.

These efforts included dealing with a South Korean antitrust investigation and opposing proposed legislation that sought to establish new rules for app store operations in the country.