Samsung Pulls Plug on Smart Cover-like Case for Galaxy Tab

With Samsung and Apple already embroiled in a series of patent disputes, it was surprising to see advertised a case for the Galaxy Tab that looked nearly identical to the Smart Cover that is offered alongside the iPad 2.

Nonetheless, a Korean company called Anymode was offering just such a “Smart Case,” that folded up like Apple’s Smart Cover and came in various colors, like the Cupertino case. Although the product was not made by Samsung, it did feature a “designed for Samsung Mobile” logo. And, Apple site 9to5mac said it is told Anymode is run by a nephew of Samsung’s chairman.

Asked for comment, Samsung says that the inclusion of the logo on the Smart Case was an “oversight” and said the product is being yanked from the market.

“As a general practice, Samsung Electronics reviews and approves all accessories produced by partners before they are given the ‘designed for Samsung Mobile’ mark,” a representative told AllThingsD. “In this case, approval was not given to Anymode for the accessory to feature this official designation.”

Samsung said the product had yet to be sold. “We are working with Anymode to address this oversight and the product has already been removed from the Anymode sales website,” the representative said.

For those who may have missed it, Apple is suing Samsung in various forums, calling the company a “copyist” that has incorporated Apple know-how into everything from the design of their products to the way they are packaged. Samsung has fired back with charges of their own and both companies have taken their dispute to the U.S. International Trade Commission as well.