Apple wins temporary ruling on iPad, iPhone sales in Germany

Apple scored a legal victory against Motorola in a case involving a standards essential (FRAND) patent that Motorola must license to other companies on fair terms.

The Mannheim court originally ruled in favor of Motorola and Apple was forced to remove select iPads and iPhone models from its German online store earlier this month. Today, the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court ruled that Motorola may not enforce its injunction against Apple during the appeal process.

According to FOSS Patents, this ruling suggests Apple's appeal will likely succeed and the two companies will reach a licensing agreement that's fair to both parties. The court documents note that Apple recently offered Motorola an amended licensing agreement that Motorola will likely accept.

This ruling does not affect Motorola's other lawsuit against Apple that has shut down push email services for MobileMe and iCloud.