Top 10 headline grabbing moments of 2012

Phew, what a year it's been. As we gear up for a 2013 that will no doubt be full of dramatic twists and turns, what better opportunity to recap on 2012 and all the upheavals it saw.

Throughout the year there were fantastic new products launched, terrible decisions made, plenty of name calling and back room deals that all found their way to the top of the news agenda.

We've picked 10 of the biggest events of the year that kept us busy, but no doubt there's plenty more throughout 2012 that caught your interest too: let us know your best, worst or just plain funniest moment from 2012 in the comments box below.

10. Apple and Samsung see each other in court, repeatedly

Throughout 2012 lawyers specialising in technology patents must have been rubbing their hands with glee as the two most successful companies in the market decided to sue the hell out of one another across the globe.

This led to some huge judgments in various regions, including a massive $1bn payout for Apple from Samsung in US courts, although this is being appealed, as well as the numerous blocking of products from sales in the US and Germany.

However, perhaps the most headline grabbing case came in the UK where Apple lost a design patent case against Samsung and was forced to take out apology notices explaining the ruling in the national press and on its own website.

Apple did so but with barely concealed distain, sending both firms back to court again where Apple had the nerve to claim it would take 14 days to change some text on its website. The judge was not impressed and gave them 48 hours to rewrite the notice.

Perhaps peace will break out in 2013 but it's hard to see much end in sight at present.