Apple blocks Samsung tablet sales in Australia
Galaxy Tab |
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.
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