Apple Stops Samsung From Selling the Galaxy Tab in the European Union

Apple has been granted a preliminary injunction against Samsung prohibiting the sale of the Galaxy Tab in the entire European Union except for the Netherlands, reports FOSS Patents. Apple first sued Samsung for copying the look and feel of its iPhone and iPad devices in April.

The leading German news agency, dpa, just reported that Apple has been granted a preliminary injunction against Samsung's Android-based Galaxy Tab 10.1, barring distribution of the product in the entire European Union except for the Netherlands. I can confirm that Apple has a separate lawsuit underway in the Netherlands as well, asserting (European) Community utility model no. 000181607-0001.

FOSS Patents notes that preliminary injunctions in Germany take immediate effect; however, an EU-wide one may require registration in other countries. While a near term hearing could reverse the decision, it's possible the injunction could be in effect until the end of proceedings which could easily take more than a year.


Samsung is faced with fines of up to $350,000 for each continued violation or imprisonment of Samsung's management for up to two years.

A more detailed analysis of the situation can be read at the link below...

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