Apple blocks Samsung tablet sales in Australia

Apple has won an injunction to block the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablet in Australia.

The device was already temporarily banned pending the court ruling, and the ban has now been upheld until a full patent trial is held next year.

Samsung had initially offered to modify the software on the device to counteract the injunction, but Apple’s argument stated that the device also copies the design of its iPad and iPhone products.

“It’s no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging,” the company said. “This kind of blatant copying is wrong, and we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.”

Samsung had tried to appeal the decision to get its device in stores during the lucrative Christmas period, but Apple said it was concerned that if consumers bought the Galaxy Tab might, they may never choose to buy Apple products again.

Samsung responded with a statement saying it is disappointed with the ruling. “We will take all necessary measures including legal action in order to ensure our innovative products are available to consumers. This is a part of our ongoing legal proceeding against Apple’s claim. Samsung is also confident it can prove Apple’s violation of Samsung’s wireless technology patents through a cross claim filed on September 16, 2011 with the Federal Court of Australia, New South Wales.”

Samsung recently lost the rights to sell its Galaxy Tab in Germany, after Apple won an injunction to block the sale of the product, alleging that the device infringes patents held by Apple. The company is now seeking to block the sale of Apple’s iPhone 4S in several markets, including South Korea.