Apple to appeal Motorola ruling, says holiday sales unfazed
updated 12:45 pm EST, Fri December 9, 2011
Apple to contest Motorola patent win
Apple in a statement Friday said it would challenge Motorola's imposition of a German ban on certain iPhones and iPads. The iOS creator would appeal "right away" but also noted to AllThingsD that Motorola's restriction wouldn't have an effect until 2012. It had enough stock to last the holiday, and the ban only affected imports, not existing inventory.
"Holiday shoppers in Germany should have no problem finding the iPad or iPhone they want," an Apple spokesman said.
The ban doesn't touch Wi-Fi devices like the base iPad or the iPod touch.
Motorola's win, which centers on a cellular radio patent, still risks problems for Apple if the appeal fails or doesn't go through until significantly after the start of the year. All but the iPhone 4S would be blocked, and while not fatal, it could curb sales in one of the largest European markets and possibly Europe as a whole.
