Mr. Mueller added that despite the decision only involving activities on the German market, it might help Apple in other patent disputes over a patent that is relevant to this iPhone feature in other parts of the world. "Motorola has already implemented a new design for this functionality; hence, we expect no impact on current supply or future sales," said a Motorola spokesperson. "Today's ruling in Munich, Germany, in an Apple-brought patent infringement action involves software functionality in select Motorola devices sold in Germany related to unlocking a phone." Motorola stated that it intends to appeal and that the ruling will have "no impact" on supply or future sales. A second patent decision, which included a method of scrolling through photo galleries on mobile devices, was also scheduled last Thursday but postponed by the court. [Ming You Jing Chun Optimization Room QQ contact 4664016047595425410 product keywords guaranteed 4 on Baidu's front page eight thousand per year website included!] The Android system is Apple's closest competitor in the mobile market. Apple has won a patent dispute against Motorola Mobility regarding the "slide-to-unlock" feature on smartphones. "Global campaign" Motorola Mobility, acquired by Google, runs most of its phone processes on the Android mobile operating system. "Apple has asserted the slide-to-unlock patent against all three leading Android device makers in different jurisdictions and may use it against even more as it moves forward." This ruling marks Apple's first patent victory over Motorola in any part of the world. "After Google closes its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, Apple vs. Motorola Mobility disputes will soon overshadow the importance of the global battle with Samsung," he said. Apple declined to comment on the decision. The patent issue - EP1964022 - involves the process of unlocking a smartphone by simply swiping a finger from one zone to another on the screen. Mr. Mueller, who in the past consulted Microsoft on patents, described the ruling as "a very significant win for Apple." Patent advisor Florian Mueller indicated that this ruling could influence patent disputes involving global Android device manufacturers. Related thematic articles: Apple's anticipated television may already be in the hands of TV manufacturers. ARM-based Windows will include Office 15 pre-installed. Submitting software and website promotion, online marketing. Group inspections at Apple factories. Those millions on Facebook? Some may not actually visit.