Apple Wins Nationwide Ban Against Samsung Galaxy Tab in Germany

Apple won a sweet victory today in their global legal war with Samsung in Germany. The Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court upheld the ban on the sale of Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany. The reason for this ban was infringement of a few key patent laws filed by Apple, the manufacturer of iPad, which is in direct competition with Samsung’s product.



Citing the Galaxy Tab’s “clear impression of similarity” to the iPad, Judge Johanna Brueckner-Hoffmann ruled in favour of Apple.“The court is of the opinion that Apple’s minimalistic design isn’t the only technical solution to make a tablet computer”, the judge added.

Earlier, a German court had awarded Apple an injunction victory against the shipment of Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the entire European region. The court, however, lifted the ban outside of Germany, as it fell out of its jurisdiction.

To add to Samsung’s woes, the ban was extended to the recently announced Galaxy Tab 7.7 as well. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is already prohibited in Australia, while a similar court appeal in Japan is pending hearing.

Samsung, meanwhile, is preparing to appeal the ruling in a higher court. “We are disappointed with this ruling and believe it severely limits consumer choice in Germany”, said a Samsung spokesperson.