Despite their ostensibly healthy business mutualism, Apple and Samsung have actually taken legal brouhahas against each other in courts across different countries. The patent skirmish began when Samsung launched its Galaxy devices, which Apple believes were crafted with such pervasive copying that they appear to be actual Apple products, subsequently filing 16 claims against the South Korean manufacturer.  And like many, a visual aid would greatly help navigate this complex and unending legal battle between two mobile giants (see infographic here).

As you can see, Samsung counter-attacked by accusing Apple of infringing 10 patents such as 3G and wireless technology, and demanded to see the new iPhone and iPad in order to judge whether or not its products are encroaching on any of Apple’s products. But victory is elusive for Samsung, as Apple managed to sway the German court to issue a preliminary injunction preventing Samsung to sell the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in all EU countries except the Netherlands. Moreover, during the IFA event in Berlin, all of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 7.7 demo units and promotional materials disappeared without a trace.

Adding to Samsung’s injury is the Galaxy Tab 10.1 ban in Australia. However, a small amount of hope has shone onto Samsung’s path, as Apple was ordered to reveal the iPhone 4S source code. The trial will resume on March 2012. Apple’s move to have Samsung banned from selling in the US market was turned down.

“At this point in the proceedings, although Apple has established a likelihood of success on the merits at trial, there remain close questions regarding the infringement of the accused devices, and Samsung has raised substantial questions regarding the validity of the D’087 patent,” the court ruled. “Moreover, Apple has not yet established a likelihood of irreparable harm, and the balance of the equities weigh in favour of Samsung.”

But if there’s something admirable about the two companies’ relationship, it’s the fact they are keeping their legal battles independent of their business dealings. Samsung still manufactures Apple chips, which enabled the latter to sell 25 million iOS devices this year. If they were to strain the relationship much further, Apple would run into production problems while Samsung would suffer from a huge financial blow.