Judge gives Apple reprieve in patent case vs. Google

A US judge has agreed to hear Apple's request for an injunction against the sale of some Motorola phones, giving the iPhone maker a chance to head off a damaging ruling in the smartphone patent wars.

Last week Judge Richard Posner in Chicago canceled a trial between Google Inc's Motorola Mobility unit and Apple Inc, saying in a tentative ruling that neither could prove damages. But in an order on June 13, Judge Posner decided to let attorneys plead their case on an injunction before he makes a final decision. Apple had sought an injunction barring the sale of Motorola products, but in last week's ruling cancelling the trial, Posner said an injunction would be "contrary to the public interest." One legal observer has said Posner's decision had a good chance of getting overturned on appeal, in part because the judge had rejected Apple's request for a hearing. Judge Posner set the injunction hearing for June 20 in Chicago. Motorola may also ask for an injunction on the one patent in the case that it can still assert against Apple.