A German court’s preliminary injunction will go into effect immediately and covers all of the EU except the Netherlands

German news site Financial Informer is reporting today that Apple has won a preliminary injunction to stop the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet across most of the European Union. The German court behind the decision apparently believed Apple’s claims that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 infringes on intellectual property related to the thin design of the iPad and iPad 2.

While the verdict is no doubt suprising, Samsung is expected to appeal the ruling in Germany as soon as possible.  Still, Samsung and other Android device makers are facing patent and design infringement lawsuits from Apple in the U.S., Australia, the Netherlands and elsewhere, so the battle is really just beginning.

Whether or not ruling will stand remains to be seen, but as Computer World points out, a final ruling or settlement against Samsung does not bode well for other Android manufacturers.  It could also determine developer’s decisions about making apps for the platforms. Only time will tell really.

Should Samsung continue to sell the tablet, the company could face fines of up to $350,000 for each violation. Foss Patents said the ruling in Germany will go into effect starting today, although Samsung could appeal the decision sometime next month.

With Apple hot on it’s heels, Samsung no doubt has its work cut out for it in order to get the Galaxy Tab 10.1 back on the market in Europe and Austraila. They also have to deal with the upcoming October trial date which will determine whether or not the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be banned in the United States.

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