German courts dismiss Apple's bid for an emergency ruling banning Galaxy Tab 10.1N sales, stating the Samsung tablet differs significantly from iPad.

“Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1N now are two competing products of equal value,” the court statement says.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1N is a revised version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, with a broader screen bezel, loud speakers and a Samsung tag on the front. The Dusseldorf appeals court banned German sales of the original Tab 10.1 earlier this year.

Apple also sued Samsung for allegedly infringing screen-related patents-- an appeal rejected by the Munich Regional Court last week.

Either way, expect the mobile patent wars to go on, and on, and on...

Go Apple Loses German Case Over Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N

As organisations try to handle the "bring your own device" trend, IBM launches Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices-- a single solution handling security for mobile devices, as well as PCs and servers. 

Endpoint Manager supports iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone devices, using technology from 2010 acquisition BigFix. It can delete data on lost and stolen devices, as well as configure (and enforce) pass code policies, encryption, virtual private networks and non-compliant device identification.

IBM also has an acquisition to announce-- smartphone and tablet software development tool maker Worklight. IBM plans to use Worklight to continue improving on application security via Endpoint Manager. 

Go IBM Announces New Software to Secure Mobile Devices

The European Commission (EC) opens investigations on whether Samsung is breaking EU antitrust regulations by refusing to fairly license essential patents relating to the 3G standard.

Samsung is currently accusing rivals of infringing its 3G-related patents, and is undergoing in legal battles against Apple across 10 countries (including France, the US, Australia and Japan).

In 2011 Samsung sought injunctions against competitors in a number of EU countries, alleging infringement of certain patent rights declared essential to European telephony standards.

Now the EC is investigating whether Samsung is breaking a 1998 commitment with the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI) to license essential 3G-related patents on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) basis.

The investigation follows a 2011 request from EU antitrust chief Joaquin Almunia.

The EC is able to fine companies up to 10% of global turnover it it finds them in breach of EU competition rules.

Go Antitrust: European Commission Opens Proceedings Against Samsung

I once shipped some valuable antique oakwood panels across the Atlantic. When they were damaged in delivery to my door, I went to the insurance company and claimed for the damage based on the protection the policy I purchased.

"Ah," they said. "But you bought overseas shipping insurance..."

"Yes, I did. Here's copy of your policy."

"But, sir," they replied, handing back the policy. "You only paid for insurance while your goods were on the water. These were damaged on land after arrival. They're not covered."

Now you know how I feel about our history of personal computer security...

"But I had anti-virus protection..."

"But, sir," they replied. "You also needed anti-malware. You weren't fully covered."

And so it goes... If consumers have up-to-now been reluctant to protect their mobile phones, it's because no one has presented an all-in-one security offering.