Samsung’s dominance in the global foldable smartphone market is facing a legal challenge, with a little-known US company launching a lawsuit that seeks to block Galaxy Z devices – though experts suggest a ban is unlikely.

Lepton Computing, a Texas-based firm, has filed a case in a US federal court accusing Samsung of infringing nine patents related to foldable smartphone technology.

The company claims it is the “original developer of foldable phones,” citing research and prototype work dating back to 2008.

The lawsuit targets Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip lineup, including recent models, and seeks damages, royalties, and a potential sales ban in the US.

The patents in question cover core elements of foldable design, including hinge mechanisms, display durability, internal hardware structure and software features such as app continuity between screens.

However, the case faces a significant hurdle: timing. The patents cited by Lepton were filed in 2021, nearly two years after Samsung launched its first commercial foldable device in 2019. That discrepancy could weaken claims of infringement, particularly for earlier products.

Lepton also alleges it held discussions with Samsung as early as 2013 and shared prototype concepts, suggesting prior knowledge of its technology. Samsung is expected to strongly contest the claims.

Lepton has no commercial products and a minimal public presence, raising questions about whether the case resembles a “non-practising entity” or so-called patent troll seeking financial settlement rather than market participation.

While patent disputes in tech can result in multi-billion-dollar payouts, outright product bans are rare. If the dispute proceeds, it is more likely end in a negotiated settlement than a courtroom victory that disrupts Samsung’s foldable lineup.