Just a little while ago we brought you news that Apple had withdrawn most of it’s 3G capable iOS devices from its online store in Germany. The devices were pulled when Motorola began enforcing a decision handed down in December that found that Apple’s iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 3G infringed on patents held by Motorola in Europe.
The ban didn’t last long at all, however, as the devices are now back up in Apple’s online store in Germany. Apparently a higher court suspended the injunction this morning in response to Apple’s appeals. Apple appealed on the grounds that Motorola refused to license the relevant patents according to the EU’s FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, And Non-Discriminatory) rules.
The suspension is temporary, however, which means that Apple could be required to remove the devices again if further appeals are unsuccessful. The wi-fi iPad and the iPhone 4S are exempt from the injunction, which means that they have remained available despite the injunction. Also, as noted this morning, the injunction did not cover sales of the devices in physical stores, only in Apple’s online store.