Apple legal guns targeting the Motorola Xoom

By Geoff Duncan August 10, 2011

Motorola Xoom — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple rocked the mobile world yesterday by getting a preliminary injunction that blocks the sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in most of Europe—and, it turns out, tucked away in Apple’s complaint against Samsung is an indication Apple is also going after Motorola for its Android-based Xoom tablet. First noticed by FOSS Patents, Apple also indicates it has filed complaints in the EU against Motorola over the design of the Motorola Xoom, as well as a German company (JAY-tech).

The complaint provides no indication of the timing of Apple’s complaint against Motorola, but the action is likely part of a wider legal battle between Motorola and Apple. Last year, Motorola sued Apple claiming its iOS devices violated some 18 Motorola patents; Apple quickly fired back with a suit over half a dozen multitouch display patents Apple claims are violated by Motorola’s Droid handsets. The U.S. Internation Trade Commission agreed to look into Apple’s complaints.

The ongoing litigation highlights the high tensions in the mobile technology industry: Apple is engaged in patent battles with a number of companies (including HTC, Kodak, and Samsung), while Android device makers are also feeling pressure from Microsoft, which is urging them to pay royalties on every device sold to protect against possible future litigation. In the meantime, Google’s chief legal officer David Drummond published a screed decrying the state of the patent system, saying it was stifling innovation and patents were being used as a weapon to attack Android. Many industry watchers have taken issue with Drummond’s stance, noting that Google only seems to think patents are bad if Google gets charged with violating them.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple makes some of the most popular tech on the planet. Apple devices offer premium hardware and designs, and its software ecosystem makes work and play easier, more convenient, and often more fun. Apple devices regularly earns spots among the best smartwatches, best laptops, best wireless earbuds, and best tablets. All of these devices offer a great opportunity to save right now, as some of the best Apple deals we’ve seen are currently available to shop. We’ve rounded them all up into one place for your convenience, so if you’re in the market for a new MacBook, Apple Watch, iPad, or something else made by Apple, read onward for more information on the best Apple deals taking place right now.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $83, was $99

Insert the Apple AirTag into your bag, gadget, or any item that you may misplace, so that you can track it if you lose it. The Apple AirTag is one of the best Bluetooth trackers if you're using an iPhone or iPad because not only does it offer a one-tap setup, but it can utilize the millions of devices in Apple's Find My network to help you find your stuff if it goes beyond the Bluetooth range of 30 feet. It's powered by a replaceable battery that can last for more than a year before you need a new one.

Mobile

Best tablet deals: iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Fire, and more

Front face of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.

Whether you’re shopping for one of the best iPads or one of the best tablets in general, it never hurts to keep an eye out for some savings. Tablet deals are often pretty easy to come by, with top tablet brands like Samsung, Apple, and even Microsoft having a tablet model or two discounted somewhere on the internet. We’ve scoured all of the current tablet deals and compiled them into what we feel are the best tablet deals going on right now. Reading onward you’ll find everything you need to know in order to save big on a new tablet, as well as some information on which of the best tablet deals may best suit your needs.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (32GB) -- $96, was $160

If you need an Android tablet for simple tasks like browsing the internet and watching streaming shows, the affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite may be enough for you. Its 8.7-inch screen is decent with WXGA+ resolution, while maintaining portability so you can easily hold the tablet in one hand. Its internal storage is limited at 32GB, but you can expand it by up to 1TB using a microSD card. For the clumsy ones, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is perfect for you because it's protected by a sturdy metal frame.

Mobile

This is when Apple will finally release its new 2024 iPads

Apple iPad Pro 11 with Apple Magic Keyboard.

It's been a long time since Apple introduced a new iPad — October 2022, to be precise. In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reinforces his belief that Apple will finally reveal new iPads this spring, perhaps as early as the end of this month.

The Apple expert had previously noted that Apple would release new MacBook Airs and iPads at the beginning of the year. The first part of this promise came to fruition earlier this month when Apple revealed the M3 MacBook Air.