Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 7.7 was banned recently in EU by a German court because it believes that the Tab 7.7 infringes on Apple’s design patents and looks similar to the iPad.
The court also ruled that the Galaxy Tab 10.1N (Altered version of the original Tab 10.1) doesn’t infringe any apple patents is allowed to be sold in Europe.
The court explained in a press release that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 7.7 infringes on Apple’s unitary industrial design rights. Now, Samsung is not allowed to sell the Galaxy Tab 7.7 in Europe including Germany, where the Tab 7.7 was already banned. The court also added that the back side of the tab and edges look almost similar to the iPad and that’s unacceptable. (Really? But one UK judge thinks otherwise.)
Both decisions about the Galaxy Tab 10.1N and 7.7 are final, said Court.
Samsung said that it was disappointed with the ruling and would make sure that the Galaxy Tab 7.7 makes a quick comeback to the European market. Samsung was both happy and sad at the same time.
Happy for the Galaxy Tab 10.1N and criticizes Apple.
“Samsung welcomes the court’s ruling which confirms our position that the GALAXY Tab 10.1N does not infringe Apple’s intellectual property and does not infringe laws against unfair competition. Should Apple continue to make legal claims based on such a generic design patent, design innovation and progress in the industry could be restricted.”
as well as saying for the (obviously) Galaxy Tab 7.7
“Samsung is disappointed with the court’s ruling. We will continue to take all available measures, including legal action, to protect our intellectual property rights and defend against Apple’s claims to ensure our products remain available to consumers throughout the European Union.”
Samsung also stated that these kind of lawsuits by Apple will halt the progress and innovation in the industry. Apple doesn’t just want to ban Samsung’s devices across the world, they want them to pay more than 2 billion in damages as well.