In the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung created what is widely regarded as the only true competitor to Apple's iPad 2, but the way Apple's been telling it, the South Korean tech giant had to steal its patents in the process.
Now, after successfully using the courts to block the sale of the Tab 10.1 in Australia on charges that it infringes on 10 patents, Apple has won another victory in the battle over who holds dominion over slim, slate-like metal and glass gadgets. Samsung has been banned by injunction from selling its tablet across the European Union with the exception of the Netherlands, where Apple is pursuing a separate case against its rival.
The ban comes with a fine of up to $350,000 per instance of infraction, so European consumers likely won't be able to pick up the iPad 2 alternative any time soon. Samsung will likely attempt to appeal the ruling, which was reached in a court in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is famous for having been completely redesigned while in the development stages following the release of the iPad 2. Samsung and Apple have since been engaged in a global patent war regarding multiple smartphones and tablets sold in several different countries.
[BGR]
