Apple has successfully blocked rival Samsung from selling its new Galaxy tablet in the Australian market after the courts found that the Galaxy 10.1 infringed on Apple’s patent rights.

 

The injunction, which will see Samsung unable to sell the product, will last until the completion of the trial, which is expected to finish at undisclosed time in 2012.

 

The ruling comes as a severe blow to Samsung who will be unable to sell the tablet during the holiday period. However, the company has vowed to continue legal proceedings in an attempt to lift the injunction.

 

"Samsung will continue its legal proceeding against Apple's claim in order to ensure our innovative products remain available to consumers. This is a part of our ongoing legal proceeding against Apple's claim," the company announced.

 

"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. Our wireless standard patents are essential for mobile business. We will continue to legally assert our intellectual property rights against those who violate Samsung's patents and free ride on our technology."

 

The proceedings of a current court hearing in which Samsung will offer an altered version of its product for Australian sale are pending.