Who holds all the cards?
Apple has filed a lawsuit against Samsung, claiming the South Korean electronics giant has copied the design of its iPhone and iPad for the Galaxy S 4G, Epic 4G, Nexus S and Galaxy Tab.
However, Samsung's dogged response could have major ramifications. In an official statement, the company says it will respond 'actively' to this legal action via 'appropriate legal measures' in a bid to protect its intellectual property.
Samsung is a major supplier of semiconductors and display panels for Apple and in 2010 reportedly sold the company more than $5.7billion in components.
The disaster in Japan has already raised a number of supply chain issues, but this potential threat could have an even bigger impact.