A German court has dismissed Apple's claim that Samsung and Google's Motorola Mobility infringed patents used in touch-screen devices. Courts in Britain and the Netherlands had both previously ruled against Apple in similar cases.

Apple may appeal the case within 30 days.

Last month a U.S. court ruled that Samsung phones and tablets infringe on Apple patents, and awarded the company $1.05 billion.

Samsung is also seeking royalties from Apple for sales of iPhones it says infringe on its patents.

Today 's cases at the Mannheim Regional Court are LG Mannheim 7 O 337/11 (Apple v. Samsung) and 7 O 528/11 (Apple v. Motorola Mobility).