Apple wins German injunction of Motorola devices

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This Apple's not so sweet

Score one for Apple, zero for Google-owned Motorola Mobility and 0-2 for Android.

That's thanks to a German court's ruling Thursday that Apple could proceed with filing an injunction on Motorola smartphones and tablets in the country.

The decision came after a five-week delay, but the court ultimately sided with Apple over claims Motorola infringed on its "rubber-banding" feature.

The feature, which also came up during Apple's recent legal win over Android-packing Samsung, is an effect that "bounces back" the page on a mobile device once a user as reached the bottom of the screen.

Motorola initially admitted it had copied the feature's patent and tactically set out to prove the patent wasn't valid to begin with.

It then changed course, saying it didn't infringe on the patents at all, though with no success.

Your move

Though Apple has one the right to move forward with a ban of Motorola devices in Germany (admittedly a small market for the Google-owned company), it must decide what its next move is.

With a $32 million (£19.8) bond, Apple can enforce the ban, though Motorola does stand to win on appeal. For another $12.9 million (£7.98), the Cupertino company can move to make Motorola get rid of all its infringing devices in Germany.

Finally, Apple can ask the country to recall all violating products, though that would cost an additional $12.9 million.

Google, meanwhile, reportedly plans to fight the ban with a higher level appeal while continuing to contest the validity of Apple's rubber-banding patent with European patent authorities.

The trouble doesn't end with Motorola, either. Many mobile makers using Android OS in their products are reportedly concerned about the patent infringement problems Apple is stirring up.

TechRadar has reached out to Apple and Motorola and will update this story if and when more information becomes available.

TechRadar has also asked Motorola about a licensing agreement the two companies reportedly reached last month and will update this story if and when they respond with details.

Via CNET

Michelle Fitzsimmons

Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook.  A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.