Apple scores major patent win over Samsung in Germany

Germany’s Federal Patent Court on Wednesday handed Apple (AAPL) a significant victory in its ongoing legal battle with Samsung. The court ruled that one of Samsung’s (005930) patents that the company had declared was essential to 3G wireless standards was entirely invalid, FOSS Patents reported. Samsung had used its 3G patent and other wireless standard-essential patents in an attempt to receive an injunction against Apple’s products. The iPhone maker was willing to license the company’s technology, however, and Samsung withdrew its injunction requests, although it continued to pursue damages. The invalidation ruling in Germany is expected to impact Samsung’s lawsuits in other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company will have an opportunity to appeal the decision.