Google's Motorola unit faces being forced to recall its Android tablets and smartphones from Germany after losing a patent lawsuit against Apple.

According to the ruling issued at a court in Munich on Thursday, Motorola has infringed the iOS system's bounce-back list feature.

Apple has not yet requested a sales ban, but it will most probably do as soon as the ruling come into effect.

Google is expected to appeal.

Motorola had forced Apple to stop selling some of its iPads and iPhones in Germany in February after a separate lawsuit.

In an earlier US case, Samsung was defeated by the iPhone maker. However, the judge has scheduled two further hearings to discuss device bans in the country, and must still issue a final ruling on the sum owed. Samsung has said it intended to appeal.

There has also been speculation that the South Korean firm might also challenge Apple over the use of 4G technologies in its new iPhone 5.