Apple must run 'Samsung did not copy iPad' ads - report

Models hold Samsung Electronics' new tablet 'Galaxy Tab 10.1' as they pose for photographs during its launch ceremony at the company's headquarters in Seoul in this July 20, 2011 file photo.

LONDON (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O) has been instructed by a British judge to run ads saying that Samsung (005930.KS) did not copy its design for the iPad in the latest twist in the ongoing patent battles between the two tech giants, according to Bloomberg.

Judge Birss, who ruled last week that Samsung did not infringe Apple's designs because its Galaxy Tab tablets were not "as cool" as the U.S. company's iPad, said Apple should publish a notice on its website and in British newspapers to correct any impression that the South Korean company copied Apple, Bloomberg said.

The notice, which is in effect an advertisement for Samsung, should remain on Apple's website for at least six months, the report said.

The judge, however, rejected Samsung's request that Apple be forbidden from continuing to claim that its design rights had been infringed, saying that Apple was entitled to hold the opinion, the news agency said.

Samsung said in a statement after the hearing: "Should Apple continue to make excessive legal claims based on such generic designs, innovation in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited."

Apple declined to comment on Judge Birss's instruction.

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Mark Potter)