Samsung sources revealed this week that the company was considering legal action to ban Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5 in Europe, after one of its executives admitted a similar move was planned in Korea.

Since Apple launched iPhone, there is no secret that Samsung makes many of the components inside it, in fact, even Samsung‘s CEO has admitted: “Apple is our biggest customer.”

But when Samsung launched its own Galaxy series of phones and tablets – high-powered touchscreens whose flagship, the Galaxy S II – legal war has erupted between the companies in nine countries.

A Samsung executive told the Korea Times this week:

“When the iPhone 5 arrives here, Samsung plans to take Apple to court here for its violation of Samsung’s wireless technology related patents.”

This statement is in response to Apple’s continued legal action against Samsung’s Galaxy family of touchscreen tablets and smartphones.

Legal battle rages between Apple and Samsung over alleged similarities between their touchscreen smartphones and handsets

Some of Samsung gadgets are currently illegal in Europe following Apple lawsuits, which claimed they are “slavish” copies of iPhone and iPad.

Samsung recently overtook Nokia in the smartphone market, and its Galaxy S II offers a larger screen and faster processor than iPhone 4.

In September, Apple even forced Samsung to withdraw a prototype tablet device from the show floor of a Berlin electronics show. Samsung’s larger Galaxy 10.1 tablet remains illegal in Europe following Apple’s legal action.

The Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Samsung may seek an injunction against Apple’s new iPhone in Europe. Samsung said it would not comment on ongoing legal issues.

Samsung and Apple have been locked in intensifying legal battles in nine countries over their flagship smartphone and tablet products – battles made more complex by the fact that many related patents are held by other internet giants such as Google and Microsoft.

The latest Samsung attacks come after Apple successfully blocked the South Korean firm from selling its latest tablets in Germany and some smartphone models in the Netherlands and forced its rival to delay launching new tablets in Australia.

After Apple’s latest legal victory in Germany earlier in September, Samsung said it would take all available legal options.

Apple first sued the South Korean company in April and Samsung had since counter-sued, arguing Apple infringed on its mobile technologies.