Australia extends Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 ban for a week


2 Dec 2011

An Australian court has extended the block of sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 after Apple filed an appeal against the decision to lift the ban, which was due to happen today.

Reuters reports that the ban of the tablet in Australia will continue until 9 December to let the High Court hear Apple’s appeal. The court will decide next week if Samsung can continue selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia before a final hearing in 2012.

Samsung said in a statement that Apple “had no basis for appeal” and the Korean company would vigorously oppose it.

Earlier in the week, the court lifted the temporary ban on the Android tablet, noting that because the average lifespan of the device was 12 months, blocking the sale of the tablet would effectively kill it off in Australia, giving Apple the victory.

It’s the latest move in Apple and Samsung’s ongoing smartphone and tablet patent disputes which span across the globe, including Japan, the US and Europe.

Apple alleges Samsung has infringed on the design of its iPhone and iPad. Samsung has also countersued, saying Apple has infringed on its wireless patents and has tried to ban the sale of the iPhone 4S in four countries, including Australia.