Apple Inc. is bringing its patent fight with Samsung Electronics Co. over smartphones and tablet computers to South Korea.

Apple spokesman Steve Park said Friday that the company filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Seoul Central District Court.

Apple sued Samsung in the United States in April. Apple alleged Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones and tablet computers copy its iPad and iPhone.

Samsung responded by filing lawsuits in South Korea, the U.S. and elsewhere alleging patent violations by Apple.

Park said the Cupertino, California-based company needs "to protect Apple's intellectual property when companies steal our ideas."

Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung said, "We will continue to actively defend and protect our intellectual property."