SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. expressed Thursday its condolences over the death of Steve Jobs, describing the late Apple Inc. founder as a great entrepreneur with innovative spirit who pioneered revolutionary changes in the technology industry.

Choi Gee-sung, the chief executive and vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, said Samsung is saddened to hear about the loss of Jobs.

"Chairman Steve Jobs introduced numerous revolutionary changes to the information technology industry and was a great entrepreneur," Choi said in a statement. "His innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world."

The Korean firm has been entangled in intense legal battles with Apple since April over smartphones and tablet computers, even though Apple is Samsung's largest customer for semiconductors.

On Wednesday, Samsung asked judges in Paris and Milan to stop sales of the iPhone 4S accusing the new iPhone device of infringing on its mobile patents. The iPhone 4S became the last Apple product announced during Jobs' lifetime.

Jobs, who transformed the personal computer, mobile and entertainment industries, died earlier on Wednesday at the age of 56.