In this Aug. 27, 2012 photo, the Apple iPhone 4s, left, is displayed next to the Samsung Galaxy S III at a store in San Francisco. Apple already has won nearly $1 billion in judgments against Samsung over patent infringements involving older-model devices. Now Apple is alleging Samsung's newest devices, such as its Galaxy S III, also copied Apple technology. Jury selection for the case begins Monday, March 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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In this Aug. 27, 2012 photo, the Apple iPhone 4s, left, is displayed next to the Samsung Galaxy S III at a store in San Francisco. Apple already has won nearly $1 billion in judgments against Samsung over patent infringements involving older-model devices. Now Apple is alleging Samsung's newest devices, such as its Galaxy S III, also copied Apple technology. Jury selection for the case begins Monday, March 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Opening statements are underway in the latest patent fight over mobile devices between Apple and Samsung, the world's largest cellphone manufacturers.
Apple lawyer Harold McElhinny told jurors in San Jose on Tuesday that Samsung quickly recognized that the iPhone was going to be a big seller when it first went on the market, and the South Korean company didn't have a product that could compete.
He said Samsung then resorted to stealing iPhone technology.
Samsung, which accuses Apple of stealing its ideas, was expected to make its opening statement later in the day.
The trial marks the latest round in a long-running series of lawsuits between the two companies over mobile devices.
If Apple prevails in the current case, the cost to Samsung could reach $2 billion.