Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction against four Samsung products was rejected by a US judge on Friday. This will allow Samsung to continue selling its Galaxy S 4G, Infuse 4G, DROID Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the US while the two companies continue their legal battle (one of more than 20 cases in 10 countries in fact).
California district Judge Lucy Koh rejected the injunction, indicating that “It is not clear that an injunction on Samsung’s accused devices would prevent Apple from being irreparably harmed. Indeed, given the evidence Samsung presented, it seems likely that a major beneficiary of an injunction would be other smartphone manufacturers.”
Needless to say, Samsung said it welcomed Friday’s ruling. According to a company spokesperson:
“This ruling confirms our long-held view that Apple’s arguments lack merit. In particular, the court has recognized that Samsung has raised substantial questions about the validity of certain Apple design patents. We are confident that we can demonstrate the distinctiveness of Samsung’s mobile devices when the case goes to trial next year.”
The two sides are headed to court in July 2012 over this particular disagreement.