According to a report by Bloomberg a London court judge has ordered that Apple Inc. publish a notice on its UK website and in British newspapers to inform the public that Samsung Electronics did not infringe on any of the iPad’s registered designs for the development of the company’s Galaxy Tab.

According to the judge, the design for the Galaxy tablet doesn’t infringe on that of Apple’s product. He even stated that the two products were distinguishable as Samsung’s tablet design is not as “cool” as Apple’s iPad.

The decision comes at a time when, in addition to Samsung,  Apple Inc. is currently fighting lawsuits against competitors that include HTC Corp. and Google Inc. with regard to patent infringements. The order handed down by Judge Colin Birss brings the long running case between Apple and Samsung to a close.

This means that Apple will basically be publishing an advertisement for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. Richard Hacon, a lawyer for Cupertino, California-based Apple, said that “No company likes to refer to a rival on its website.” Ouch.

Samsung said in a statement: “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.”

What do you think of the judge’s decision?