Microsoft won a ruling in a Seattle court, preventing Motorola Mobility from obtaining an injunction in Germany that could stop Microsoft from selling its Xbox and other software products there. On April 17. a regional court in Mannheim, Germany, is expected to decide whether Microsoft's products including the xbox 360 and Windows 7 infridge a video technology patent owned by Motorola. Concerned that the court might grant an injunction barring sales of Microsoft's products in the country, Microsoft last week had announced plans to move its European distribution center to the Netherlands from Germany.

However, a judge in U.S. District Court in Seattle granted Microsoft a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order against Motorola in Germany, Microsoft said.

"Motorola promised to make its patents available to Microsoft and other companies on fair and reasonable terms. Today's ruling means Motorola can't prevent Microsoft from selling products until the court decides whether Motorola has lived up to its promise," Microsoft Deputy General Counsel David Howard said in a statement.