Two tech titans will square off in federal court on Monday in what's set to be an important trial over control of the US smart phone and tablet markets.

Apple filed a lawsuit against South Korea's Samsung Electronics last year alleging that their rival's products are illegal knockoffs of its popular iPhone and iPad. Apple is demanding 2.5 billion dollars in damages, an award that would dwarf the largest patent-related verdict to date. Samsung counters that Apple is doing the stealing and that some of the technology at issue, such as the rounded rectangular designs of smart phones and tablets, have been industry standards for years.

The trial is just the latest skirmish between the two over product designs. A similar trial began last week, and the two companies have also been battling in the English and German courts.

Two tech titans will square off in federal court on Monday in what's set to be an important trial over control of the US smart phone and tablet markets.?