Samsung wants Apple's Jonathan Ive to testify in court, and the iPhone 4S source code, too

Apple's chief product designer Jonathan Ive and others from his team have until December 1 to testify about Cupertino's claims that Samsung is infringing on its design patents with its Android phones and tablets. The deadline was November 1, but Samsung filed to extend it, since the designers would have been available after that date. From Samsung's motion:

"Mr. Satzger is a former Apple employee represented by separate counsel. He is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because, during the month of October, his lawyer has a full deposition schedule in a separate class action matter.

Mr. Nishibori is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because he currently is on a voluntary leave of absence from Apple.

Mr. Ive is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 for personal reasons.

Mr. Stringer is unable to sit for deposition before November 1 because of work and scheduling conflicts."

The Californian trial is actually scheduled to begin in the summer next year, and these testimonies will be used by the defense. Oh, if we could be a fly on the wall during Jony Ive's testimony a lot could be learned about the way Apple designs its products, but we are keeping the hope for some court leaks.

Meanwhile, Samsung is demanding to see the source firmware code of the Apple iPhone 4S in Australia, while its own Galaxy Tab 10.1 is still under sales ban there, and waiting for an expedited hearing. The company also wants to be shown the subsidy deals Apple has signed with different Australian carriers.

All these are a part of the counter-lawsuit Samsung launched in Australia against the new iPhone 4S, claiming it infringes on its patents for the 3G standard. The court will have to determine if these patents have been offered to Apple to license under the reasonable FRAND terms, while Samsung says these terms are not applicable to Australia.