Apple has bought AuthenTec for $356 million, the American company specialises in providing security services and chip creation, including fingerprint scanning software.

The deal will see Apple take ownership of AuthenTec patents and software at a cost of $8 per share.

Apple has been involved in multiple legal battles and lawsuits against various parties including Samsung. The move may come as part of Apples safeguard against further legal action, with past acquisitions fuelled by the need for patent protection.

Samsung currently employs AuthenTec software within its Android devices.