10/07/2012

The High Court has ruled that Samsung did not copy the sleek design of the iPad for its Galaxy Tab range.

Last year, Apple began court proceedings against its Korean rival, alleging that the design of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10 infringed on that of the iPad.

However, Judge Colin Birss dismissed the case as he claimed that Samsung's Galaxy Tab was not as "cool" as the iPad and therefore felt that few customers would confuse the two devices despite them looking similar.

"They do not have the same understated and extreme simplicity which is possessed by the Apple design," Judge Birss said.

"They are not as cool. The overall impression produced is different."

In response to the ruling, Samsung said in a statement: "Should Apple continue to make excessive legal claims in other countries based on such generic designs, innovation in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited."

It means that Apple can not attempt to block sales of the Galaxy Tab on the grounds that it is too similar to the iPad. Apple now has 21 days to appeal against the ruling.