Android is Apple's closest rival in the mobile market. The ruling marks the first time Apple has triumphed over Motorola anywhere in the world on a patent issue. Apple said it would not comment on the decision. "Apple has asserted its slide-to-unlock patent against all three leading Android device makers in different jurisdictions and may use it to oppose them moving forward," Mr. Mueller, a patent expert who has previously consulted for Microsoft, described the ruling as a "very significant win for Apple against the robot." Motorola said it intends to appeal, and that the ruling will have "no impact" on current supply or future sales. Apple has won a patent dispute against Motorola Mobility concerning the "slide-to-unlock" feature on smartphones. Mr. Mueller added that although this decision involves only activities in the German market, it could help Apple in other patent disputes in other parts of the world, as the contested patent relates to an iPhone function. "Global battle" Motorola Mobility is in the process of being acquired by Google, with most of its phones running on the mobile operating system Android. A Motorola spokeswoman said: "Today in Munich, Germany, there was a ruling in a patent lawsuit brought by Apple involving software functionality on select Motorola devices available for sale in Germany related to unlocking a phone." "After Google closes on its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, the Apple vs. Motorola Mobility dispute will soon take on greater importance as part of the global battle with Samsung," he said. A second patent ruling, which included a method of scrolling through galleries on mobile devices to take photos, was also due last Thursday but was postponed by the court. "Motorola has already implemented new design features. Therefore, we expect no impact on current supply or future sales." The patent issue - EP1964022 - involves just swiping a finger from one area to another to unlock a smartphone screen. Patent consultant Florian Mueller said that this ruling could influence patent disputes globally involving Android device manufacturers. Related thematic articles: Complete online marketing for your website; Samsung announces Galaxy Tab 2 with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich; ARM-based Windows will include Office 15 pre-installed; Patent: Apple wins 'slide-to-unlock' ruling against Motorola. Submit software and website promotion, online marketing.