According to the article, Apple was sending the takedowns before the lift.
"Apple began sending those notices associated with the Galaxy Nexus on June 3, the same day U.S. Judge Lucy Koh turned down Samsung’s appeal on the injunction. Three days later, however, Judge Koh suspended the injunction."
The Verge probably makes this part more clear:
"According to Samsung, several sellers received letters ordering them to cease selling the two devices in late June and early July, before the ban on the Galaxy Nexus was stayed."
Ban on Galaxy Nexus was lifted but not on Galaxy Tab. Nexus is only sold online, tab is the one being sold in retail. Apple's letter only references the tab.
