In yet another episode in the seemingly endless saga of consumer tech companies trying to impact on each other’ smartphone and tablet sales, Apple has been forced to stop selling its iPhone 4 and the iPad 2 in Germany.
This time, the appellant was Motorola. The issue at stake is an unresolved patent licence relating to the GPRS module. A German court has ruled that the Apple smartphone and tablet cannot be sold through retail channels in the country until the patent issue is resolved. The iPhone 4S uses a Qualcomm chip and is thus exempt from the ban.
Apple has also been in dispute with Samsung over alleged similarities between the design of the original Apple iPad and the similarly slim Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Tech site The Verge relays details of a report in German newspaper Finanz Nachrichten in which Apple says “Even if some iPad and iPhone models currently available in our online store in Germany are removed, our customers will have no problem finding these products in Apple stores or through authorised dealers.”
The spokesperson went on to say that Apple will appeal against the injunction as Motorola has refused to license the patent “on acceptable terms” and that the disputed module was declared an indusntrial patent 7 years ago.”
Comments
Paul Riley said: Spell Checker Failed?module was declared an indusntrial patent 7 years ago.” INDUSTRIAL
Moto said: Love it... Keep up the good work moto !
Maccyroo said: Very good news indeed. Apple started all this legal bickering and now the Cupertino Cry Baby's are reaping the rewards. Whoever it was at Apple, that decided to tell the press about Steve Jobs "internal" memo, found just after his death. Citing that he would not rest and was prepared to spend the last cent in the back to "Kill Off" Android for good, as it was "stolen technology", may now be waiting for their P45 to arrive by FeDex.It was obvious that Googles sudden decision to purchase Motorola was not due to a burning ambition or deep yearning to be able to make its own Android hardware, but to beef up its mobile patent portfolio.It is a shame that the lawyers will continue to profit from this patent war. But those naughty boys at Apple that deliberately doctored images of a competitors product [The Galaxy Tab] and then try to use them to file a spurious law suit based on copycat designs, have to be taught a lesson!
Peter Earnshaw1 said: So its ok for Apple to sue every tom dick or harry, but the cry wolf when they get sued. Cry babies, about time you got a taste of your own medicine
imaginarynumber said: Ultimately yes- it is the customer- much in the same way that everytime apple sue anyone the customer loses.Apple have bumped up the cost of every handset on the planet by demonstrating that they will sue everyone and anyone. Before they threw their toys out of their pram most makers seemed to have had reciprocal backroom deals.They have also put up the prices of all mobile phone tariffs by being greedy, and demanding a percentage of the data tariffs consumed. There is more than a sense of schadenfreude at a bullying mega-global-inc getting a blooded nose after years of running around the playground punching everyone elseSo yes, I pay more because Apple exist even though I don't own any of their products. Can't think of many other leeches that impact me in the same way...
imaginarynumber said: How are Motorola the appellant if they instigated the case? Apple ban- kismet me thinks- mind you if anyone buys one will they have any kind of warranty?
John Collard said: "... as Motorola has refused to license the patent “on acceptable terms” ..."?So Apple insist on specifying the prices at which iPhones & iPads can be sold but claim the right to tell another company at what price to sell a License to Apple?"Heads I win, Tails you lose"?
No Access said: Who is the victim? Customers.....
Tom Coffing said: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hahahahahahahahaha. *snort of derision*AHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!