Motorola won a preliminary injunction targeting the sales of Apple’s iOS devices in Germany recently. This would ban Apple from selling any devices there that infringe on two of Motorola’s wireless technology patents. Apple isn’t too worried about it, though. Motorola only won by default, since a representative for Apple didn’t even show up in court.
Because this a preliminary ruling, it doesn’t actually place a ban on infringing devices, which would be the iPhone and iPad. A spokesperson for Apple said “This is a procedural issue and has nothing to do with the merits of the case. It does not affect our ability to sell products or do business in Germany at this time.” Vodafone Germany isn’t worried about the verdict either. The carrier still proudly advertises the iPhone 4S and iPad 2.
Assuming the masterminds of Cupertino disagree with Motorola’s current victory — and that would be a very good assumption to make — means that Apple now has to file for an appeal. Once the case advances, Apple may need to pay up to a €250,000 fine in order to keep selling its products in Germany. The company has yet to announce its plans going forward.
Meanwhile, Apple remains in legal conflict with other manufacturers such as HTC and Samsung, though it has proven much more successful in these cases.