Apple has won a decision in the federal court that prohibits Samsung’s Galaxy Tab from going on sale in Australia until patent disputes are resolved. The injunction means no Galaxy Tab 10.1 launch next week, and further expansion to the legal battle over 10 Apple-owned patents covering the touchscreen and “look and feel” of the iPad.
UPDATE: Samsung Adamant That Galaxy Tab 10.1 Will Still Come To Australia ‘In The Near Future’
Apple and Samsung are now in court rooms across the US, Germany, UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Apple is also trying to get the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (and some Samsung Android phones) blocked in the US; they’re currently bickering over court dates.
Apple’s legal counsel slammed the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as a “copycat tablet,” while Samsung said they would argue some of the 10 patents are not even valid in Australia.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 29, and Samsung is required to supply Apple with three Australian 10.1 samples before then. Samsung will stop advertising the device until the matter is resolved, and Apple pays Samsung damages if they lose.
For all the details, check out iTNews, which was at the hearing: [iTnews]| Also: [Bloomberg]