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Google comes to Samsung's aid in patent battle with Apple

Smartphone maker Samsung and Android creator Google are "working closely to create a united front" in the face of legal challenges from Apple, according to a new report.

Samsung has confirmed that it is working with Google to fend of patent infringement claims made by Apple, according to The Korea Times. The announcement marks the first time that Samsung has confirmed it is receiving assistance from Google in its legal battle with Apple.

Years ago, Google publicly announced that it was supporting Android smartphone maker HTC after that company was hit with a lawsuit from Apple. But Google has not publicly indicated any such agreement with Samsung as its patent infringement dispute with Apple has ballooned into multiple lawsuits in numerous countries around the world.

Now Samsung reportedly hopes that Google's assistance will give the Korean electronics maker an advantage in the courtroom against Apple. An unnamed official with Samsung quoted by the Times as saying the company hopes it will be able to earn royalties from Apple.

"The fight is becoming more dramatic and the possibility of a truce in the form of a cross-licensing deal seems to be becoming likely," they were quoted as saying.

Another industry source also reportedly indicated that Apple's newly earned injunction barring sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will cost Samsung about $80 million. The injunction was awarded last week and went into effect almost immediately after Apple posted the necessary $2.6 million bond.

Apple also won another injunction in the U.S. last week against Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone. That handset was co-developed by Samsung and Google, and runs an unmodified version of Google's Android mobile operating system.

Samsung's losses on the Galaxy Nexus could be even greater, as industry sources reportedly indicated that the company could lose up to $120 million if the sales ban extends for two months.