Samsung plans to stop Apple's iPhone 4S from being sold in France and Italy on patent-infringement claims, the latest move in an ongoing battle between the smartphone makers.

Samsung plans to file injunctions against Apple in Paris and Milan on the grounds that Apple infringed Samsung patents relating to wireless technology.

Apple unveiled the newest iDevice this week and plans to release the iPhone 4S in Australia on October 14.

In a statement, Samsung said: "Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free ride on our technology.

"We believe it is now necessary to take legal action to protect our innovation."

Samsung plans to file preliminary injunctions in other countries after further review, the company added.

Analysts believe Samsung is the most serious rival to Apple's dominance of the tablet and smartphone markets, and the two companies have been engaged in a bitter legal dispute over patents.

Apple prevented Samsung from releasing its latest Galaxy tablet in Australia in April by claiming the Korean electronics giant 'slavishly' copied the iPad. The rivals are currently battling each other through the Australian courts over the device.