Apple's iPhone 4S doesn't launch until October 14, but Samsung doesn't care. It's suing Apple in France and Italy over patented wireless technology. Samsung's wish is to ban the iPhone 4S from being sold in both countries — retaliation for Apple getting courts to ban its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in several countries.

According to the Associated Press, the wireless technology in question that Samsung believes Apple is violating "is essential to the reliable functioning of telecom networks and devices" and is "too severe and that (the) iPhone 4S should be barred from sales."

Consumers following the Apple vs. Samsung fight will recall that this swift lawsuit sounds familiar. That's because it is. Back in September, before the iPhone 4S became clear, Samsung announced its plans to seek a ban on the new iPhone in South Korea over what is presumed to be the same "wireless technology."

The two technology giants are currently locked in multiple lawsuits filed against one another across the world. Apple first instigated the courtroom battles in April after claiming Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy S smartphones infringed on the design of its iPad and iPhone.

In an official announcement, Samsung says it plans to file lawsuits in Paris, France and Milan, Italy on October 5. An official Samsung statement makes it clear that the kid gloves are off:

Samsung's preliminary injunction requests in France and Italy will each cite two patent infringements related to wireless telecommunications technology, specifically Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) standards for 3G mobile handsets.

Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free ride on our technology, and we will steadfastly protect our intellectual property.

So, who are you rooting for? Samsung or Apple? And if you live in France or Italy, how do you feel about this?

Samsung via Yahoo