Apple loses patent case against Samsung, Motorola in Germany

A German court has dismissed Apple Inc's claim that Samsung Electronics and Google Inc's Motorola Mobility infringed patents used in touch-screen devices.

The Mannheim state court's ruling follows similar decisions in Britain and the Netherlands.

The ruling can be appealed within 30 days.

Apple and its rivals are locked in a complex worldwide battle over patents and design rights covering the lucrative market for smartphones and tablet computers.

Last month, a US court ruled that Samsung phones and tablets infringe on Apple patents and awarded the California-based company $1.05 billion.

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