Samsung Electronics says loses a Japan patent lawsuit to Apple

US-APPLE-SAMSUNG-JAPAN:Samsung Electronics says loses a Japan patent lawsuit to Apple

SEOUL (Reuters) - A Tokyo court on Thursday ruled in favor of Apple Inc in a patent lawsuit over mobile devices filed by Samsung Electronics, the South Korean firm said.

The world's top two smartphone makers are engaged in a global legal battle over patents on smartphones and tablets, as they vie to win customers in the lucrative mobile market.

"We are disappointed by today's court decision. Following a thorough review of the ruling, we will take the measures necessary to protect our intellectual property rights," Samsung said in a statement without giving further details.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

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