A technology battle could be heating up.

Apple Inc. has sued Samsung Electronics Co., alleging that Samsung’s Galaxy phones and tablet computer infringe patents and the trademarked look of the iPhone and iPad, Bloomberg reported.

Apple, in a complaint filed in federal court, said Samsung is infringing patents related to the way the Galaxy devices operate, including the use of hand gestures on the screen, as well as patents on the color and rectangular shape of the iPhone and iPad. The products, which use Google Inc.’s Android software, were specifically designed to copy Apple products, Apple said.

The lawsuit pits the two largest makers of tablet computers against each other. Apple relies on Samsung to supply chips for the iPhone and iPad.

“What’s of concern is that you can see the strategic relationship between Samsung and Apple getting worse of late,” said Kim Young Chan, analyst at Shinhan Investment Corp., in an interview with Bloomberg. “As Samsung pushes ahead with its handset and tablet business, Apple is trying to keep Samsung in check.”

Google’s Android operating system, used by Samsung, Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. and other companies, is expected to account for 39.5 percent of global smartphone shipments this year, compared with 15.7 percent for Apple. The iPad is expected to account for about two-thirds of sales in the tablet market.