Skip to main content

Apple wins ban on Samsung smartphones in Europe

The fur has been flying thick as Apple and Samsung argue over patents and prior art before a court in the Hague, but Apple scored another victory today as the court granted a temporary injunction barring the imports of Samsung’s Galaxy S, SII, and Ace smartphones for violating an Apple photo management patent. If the injunction stands, the ban will go into effect on October 15, and would effectively bar the smartphones from the European market since Amsterdam is their primary port of entry.

According to Judge E.F. Brinkman, the Samsung smartphones running Android 2.3 infringe on an European patent held by Apple, titled “Portable Electronic Device for Photo Management.” The patent describes a method for scrolling through photo galleries using gestures on a touchscreen. However, Brinkman also ruled that Android 3.0 does not infringe on this Apple patent—which is why Samsung’s Android 3.0 tablets have not been found in violation. If Samsung can update the smartphones to Android 3.0, they can evade the import ban.

Related Videos

Brinkman denied Apple’s other infringement claims against the Samsung devices, which centered on design and intellectual property: Brinkman specifically found that Samsung does not “slavishly copy” Apple product designs, a claim that has been central to Apple’s global infringement campaign against Samsung.

Earlier this month Apple was granted a preliminary restraining order on the import of Samsung Galaxy Tabs into Europe; however, a week later that ban was lifted in all countries except Germany.

If Apple’s latest victory over Samsung sticks, it might have broader implications for the Android platform: the case represents the first time a version of Android has been found to be in violation of an Apple patent. That finding could be used as ammunition in Apple’s ongoing litigation against not just Samsung, but HTC and Motorola—and that could take the fight directly to Google, since the company announced last week it intends to acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.

Editors' Recommendations

Latest Apple Pencil is down to its cheapest-ever price
Someone using an Apple Pencil with the 10th Gen iPad.

If you just grabbed a new iPad, be sure to pair it with the Apple Pencil. It will help you get the full utility out of your expensive new device. This week is actually the best time you could buy one of the best styluses out there. Right now the stylus is only $89, $40 off its usual price of $129. There's never been a better discount on this Apple Pencil on Amazon. If the price isn't enough to convince you, let us tell you why you'll love the Apple Pencil.

Why You Should Buy the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
Because it can be a little confusing, it's always a good idea to read our guide on which Apple Pencil works with which iPad. You can also get a little help using iPadOS's Scribble feature, which is incredibly useful when you have a stylus handy. Basically, it's a great way to leave notes for yourself about onscreen content or reading, but you will need an Apple Pencil, either 1st Gen or 2nd Gen. Either way, this deal that offers the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen for cheaper than ever is the perfect time to get yourself ready to scribble.

Read more
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is big news for cheap phones
Hand holding up a smartphone against a city background with Qualcomm Snapdragon7+ Gen 2 logo.

Qualcomm has taken the wraps off its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, the next generation of its midrange mobile platform. The new chip is designed to deliver powerful entertainment experiences and performance gains to a broader range of smartphones.

The new platform is an evolution of last year’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, which was already a leap beyond the older Snapdragon 700 series it replaced. It began closing the gap with the premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 — a trend that continues with this year’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2.

Read more
How 3 Galaxy S23 Ultra camera features completely changed my vacation
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra back.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the most versatile set of cameras on any phone, and it's the phone I took with me to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona, Spain, last month.

After my work at MWC 2023 was done, I had some free time to explore the beauty of Spain, and in doing so, the Galaxy S23 Ultra helped me capture some amazing shots that wouldn’t be possible on any other device. Here are the three Galaxy S23 Ultra camera features that I used extensively and which helped me make my trip memorable.
The clarity in 10x zoom is mind-blowing

Read more