We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Learn more here.Close Me
Apple Inc has secured a Europe wide injunction against South
Korean technology manufacturer Samsung Electronics Co. which will
prevent the sale of Samsungs "Galaxy Tab 10.1" tablet
computer. A District Court in Dusseldorf granted the temporary
injunction against Samsung for infringement of Apple's
intellectual property rights in the industrial design of its iPad
tablet computer.
Apple has a registered Community Design Right, in the design of
the iPad tablet under the European Communities (Community Designs)
Regulations 2003. The right is restricted to the outward appearance
of the device as opposed to the inward technology designs, which
are protected by an extensive network of patents. There is a
significant volume of worldwide patent litigation currently ongoing
between all of the major mobile telecommunications manufacturers
surrounding these and similar technology patents.
Apple's application was for enforcement of its European
Community Design rights and therefore this injunction can be
enforced on a Europe wide basis, including in Ireland but excluding
the Netherlands where Apple has undertaken a separate enforcement
application. Eversheds has offices throughout Europe and regularly
advises clients on similar Europe-wide enforcement mechanisms.
It should be noted that the decision of the German District
Court was based on an ex-parte application only. Samsung did not
appear and so no counter argument was heard. Samsung immediately
indicated that they would be opposing the decision and indeed
recent reports suggest that they have issued a strongly worded
response this afternoon. The industrial design procedure is unlike
some other intellectual property registration procedures in that
there is no examination as to the designer's right of
registration and no opposition procedure at the time of
registration. It can be expected that any appeal by Samsung will
involve an argument that Apple's iPad design lacks sufficient
novelty or individual character to qualify for protection under the
EU legislation.
Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only. It does not
constitute legal or professional advice. Professional or legal
advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any
action as a result of the contents of this publication. No
liability is accepted by Eversheds O'Donnell Sweeney for any
action taken in reliance on the information contained herein. Any
and all information is subject to change. Eversheds O'Donnell
Sweeney is not responsible for the contents of any other website or
third party material which can be accessed through this
website.
Eversheds O'Donnell Sweeney is an Irish partnership and
a member firm of the Eversheds International network of firms
affiliated with Eversheds International Limited, an English company
limited by guarantee. Member firms of Eversheds International are
independent firms and members of Eversheds International Limited,
but have no authority to obligate or bind Eversheds International
Limited or one another vis-à-vis third parties. Neither
Eversheds International Limited nor any of its member firms have
any liability for each other's acts or omissions.
To print this article, all you need is to be registered on Mondaq.com.
Click to Login as an existing user or Register so you can print this article.
The recent "Data Retention Operation" by the Italian DPA revealed that compliance with data retention legislation among telecom and internet service providers is still considerably low.
The European Union’s draft data protection regulation contains new and controversial extra-territorial provisions extending the Regulation’s reach to some companies based outside the European Union.
A US district court in New York has recently ruled that ReDigi, the operator of an online marketplace for pre-owned music downloads, is liable for copyright infringement.
In a decision earlier this month, a US district court in New York has ruled that ReDigi, the operator of an online marketplace for pre-owned music downloads, is liable for copyright infringement.
The Authority for the Protection of Personal Data has announced that it has initiated a formal investigation into Google Inc. to ensure that the privacy policy company complies with the requirements laid down in Directive 95/46/EC.
Con un comunicato dello scorso 27 febbraio, l’Autorità Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali ha reso noto l’avvio di un’ indagine nei confronti della società Whatsapp Inc.
The processing of personal data is regulated by the Federal Act on Data Protection, its ordinances and by other laws.
Some comments from our readers… “The articles are extremely timely and highly applicable” “I often find critical information not available elsewhere” “As in-house counsel, Mondaq’s service is of great value”
