When Apple’s patent case against Samsung in Germany led to a total sales injunction against the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung released a revised version named the Galaxy Tab 10.1N. The updated hardware altered the design and branding of the tablet in order to avoid violating Apple’s design patents, most notably with a set of front-facing speakers that flanked the screen. Apparently it wasn’t good enough for Apple, and continuing in their worldwide crusade against all things Android they petitioned the court for yet another sales injunction in November. Reuters reports that the judge in the case has indicated that the updated hardware is sufficiency dissimilar to the iPad, and Apple’s design patents are not being infringed.

The ruling isn’t final yet, but it’s hard to imagine what kind of extra evidence Apple could show to change the judge’s opinion. The honorable Johanna Brueckner-Hofmann has scheduled her final ruling for February 9th of next year. This ruling doesn’t change the injunction against the original Galaxy Tab 10.1, which is still in effect in Germany. Apple successfully sued and won a ban on the same model in Australia, but the decision was overturned on appeal, and the tablet is on sale once again. Apple’s attempts to ban Samsung tablets and phones in the US has been unsuccessful so far.

The primary changes in the 10.1N model are a reworked edge with visible front speakers and the SAMSUNG logo on the bottom portion of the bezel. That appears to be just enough differentiation for Germany, but not for Apple, who would prefer gigantic bezels, thicker profiles, non-rectangular shapes and a “cluttered” appearance. The company was forced to outline its parameters for a device that would not violate its patents in the US case, and the requirements were just shy of insane. Apple continues its patent war against multiple Android manufacturers – the latest victory is a software patent against HTC at the US International Trade Commission.

[via SlashGear]

5 COMMENTS

  1. Apple is becoming more and more despicable with those stupid lawsuits.
    i don’t think I’m going to buy another iPod or event an iPad3 any time soon, just because ther attitude pisses me off.
    On the other hand, the Galaxy tab 7.7, and the Galaxy Note are very attractive and I’m going to buy both of them. One to replace my current Samsung Android 2.3 7” tablet, and the other one to use as the ideal pocket notepad.

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  3. This patent nonsense needs to stop. The only goal of this is for large companies to stifle competition. Patents were designed to give small inventors the chance to develop their product without fearing that a larger company would steal their idea and beat them to market. Apple does not need this protection.

    The Macbook is the only product Apple makes anymore that is worth the purchase. And even that is now seeing some competition at 1/3 the price nowadays. The iPhone and iPad are overpriced and constrictive. I just upgraded to the Evo Design, and it blows the iPhone 4S out of the water…and that isn’t even a market leader.

    With cheaper Android tablets set to hit the market, Apple has a lot to fear.

  4. It seems as if this is a new way for them to squash the competition. I would assume they are trying to bankrupt these companies by throwing copyright lawsuits left and right.

    Stop Apple. You are like a screaming kindergartener, crying about how the person next to you also drew a dog in their picture. You are not innovative, and quite honestly, I think these companies need to start suing you for unoriginality.

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