Samsung appeals Europe tablet sale ban

Samsung said Wednesday it would appeal a German court ruling banning the sale in Europe of its new digital tablet device following a complaint by its US rival Apple.

"Samsung is disappointed by the decision by the court in Dusseldorf. We will immediately appeal the decision ... and take all measures necessary to ensure that Samsung's innovative products are available in Europe and across the world," the South Korean firm said in a statement.

A Dusseldorf court on Tuesday granted an injunction halting the sale of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across Europe, with the exception of the Netherlands, court spokesman Peter Schuetz said.

It is the latest episode in the battle between Samsung and Apple, producer of the iPad, who have been pursuing legal action against one another since April over design rights.