The court in Dusseldorf on Friday banned the sale of Samsung's newest Galaxy Tab tablet computer in Europe's largest market as it upheld a complaint by US computer maker Apple that Samsung lifted the design from its iPad. The court said the overall impression of the Galaxy 10.1 tablet was too similar to the design of Apple's iPad. The temporary injunction upheld by the court on Friday bars Samsung Germany from selling the tablet in Germany.

Samsung said it was disappointed by the ruling and that it believed that the ruling restricts design innovation and progress in the industry. The company added it would take all available legal options, including continuing to pursue Apple for what Samsung said are violation of its wireless technology patents around the world.

Samsung and Apple has been locked in a battle with Apple over smartphone and tablet patents since April. Apple has claimed the Galaxy line of mobile phones and tablets copied the iPhone and iPad and has sued the Korean company in the United States, Australia and Korea as well as in Europe.

Samsung has also counter-sued Apple.

Earlier this week, Apple filed a suit against Samsung in Japan, seeking to ban sales of some of its gadgets there.