A lawsuit between Apple Inc and Motorola is back on over patent dispute, as a judge has agreed to hear the Cupertino company's request for an injunction against the sale of certain Motorola handsets.

Previous week, Judge Richard Posner canceled a trial between the Apple and Motorola, ruling that neither firm had successfully made arguments that supported awarding significant damages. However, according to reports, Posner said in an order Wednesday that the hearing would be June 20, and each party may argue for injunctive relief against alleged patent infringement by the other.

He also added that both Apple and Motorola need to be prepared for the possibility that no injunction will be granted.

"The parties should be prepared to address the possibility of substitution for an injunction of an equitable decree for a reasonable royalty going forward," the Judge said.

It looks like Apple can go into the hearing feeling fairly optimistic. As reported by Reuters, Posner issued a series of pre-trial rulings that eliminated nearly all of Motorola's patent claims against Apple, while maintaining more of Apple's claims against Motorola. The injunction hearing has been set for 20 June.

Neither Apple nor Motorola could be reached for comments.

Source: The Inquirer