Apple has just chalked up a great win in their ongoing battle with Samsung by winning an injunction preventing Samsung from selling their Galaxy S Series smartphones within the EU. The new injunction has been granted by Rechtbank ‘s-Gravenhage, a Dutch court in the city of The Hague.
The court has issued a formally Europe-wide preliminary injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, and Ace smartphones. This follows on from a similar injunction granted by a German court a couple of weeks ago.
The injunction does not, however, include Samsung’s Galaxy tablets – at Apple’s request. According to the Foss Patents website, which also has the court injunction details and explains in much more detail the finer points of the injunction against Samsung.
Background of the Legal Battle
The legal battle between Apple and Samsung has been ongoing for several years, with both tech giants accusing each other of patent infringements. Apple has consistently argued that Samsung’s Galaxy S Series smartphones closely mimic the design and functionality of the iPhone, thereby infringing on Apple’s intellectual property. This latest injunction is a significant victory for Apple, as it effectively halts the sales of some of Samsung’s most popular smartphones across the entire European Union.
The Dutch court’s decision is particularly impactful because it sets a precedent for other courts in the EU to follow. The injunction is preliminary, meaning it is a temporary measure until a final decision is made. However, it still represents a substantial setback for Samsung, which relies heavily on its Galaxy S Series for revenue.
Implications for Samsung and the Smartphone Market
The injunction could have far-reaching implications for Samsung and the broader smartphone market. For Samsung, the immediate impact is the potential loss of millions of euros in revenue. The Galaxy S Series has been one of Samsung’s flagship products, and a ban on its sales in the EU could significantly affect the company’s market share and profitability.
For consumers, the injunction could mean fewer choices in the smartphone market. Samsung’s Galaxy S Series has been a popular alternative to Apple’s iPhone, offering similar features at competitive prices. With the injunction in place, consumers may have to look for other alternatives or stick with older models until the legal issues are resolved.
The injunction also highlights the intense competition and high stakes in the smartphone industry. Both Apple and Samsung invest heavily in research and development to create innovative products, and protecting their intellectual property is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. This legal battle underscores the importance of patents and the lengths to which companies will go to protect their innovations.
If you want to know what we thought of the Samsung Galaxy S II, have a look at our Samsung Galaxy S2 Review.
Source: Cult Of Mac : Foss Patents
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
