Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Banned in Europe in Apple Patent Lawsuit

A German court decided on a split verdict in a patent dispute between Apple and Samsung over two of the company's tablet computers.

Apple sued Samsung to end sales of both the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N and the Galaxy Tab 7.7, as Apple claimed it infringed on Apple iPad patents and designs.

The court ruled Tuesday that Samsung made adequate adjustments to its Galaxy Tab 10.1N that the infringement no longer existed for that device. It did however say that the sides and back of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 looked too similar to the Apple design and did so in an "unacceptable manner." The court therefore ordered a stop to European sales of the Galaxy Tab 7.7.

 The ban had previously existed only in Germany, but has been extended to the whole European Union.

Samsung issued a statement saying it was "disappointed with the court's ruling" and that it "will continue...to protect our intellectual property rights and defend against Apple's claims to ensure our products remain available to consumers throughout the European Union."

This is just one of many of Apple and Samsung's battles over patent infringement. Samsung usually adjusts its devices upon being sued.

Despite the court's ruling, there is still a light at the end of the Samsung tunnel, as the Galaxy Tab 10.1N can still be sold in Europe.

Real Time Analytics