While Apple and Samsung’s globe-spanning IP lawsuit hasn’t made a dent in either company’s business up until now, the first real blow has landed… and it is Samsung walking away with the bloody nose, as a new development in Australia means Samsung can’t sell their iPad-like Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet on the continent until further notice.
According to Apple’s Australian council, Stephen Burley, Samsung is infringing upon 10 Apple patents with the Galaxy Tab 10.1, including the “look and feel” as well as the iPad’s touchscreen technology.
Meanwhile, Samsung countered that the version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 going on sale in Australia differed from the one being sold in the United States, although we’re not sure how markedly different they could possibly be.
Ultimately, the two councils decided that until Apple’s lawsuit against Samsung is resolved or Samsung wins court approval, Samsung will not sell the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia, nor will they be able to advertise it.
This could potentially be a big blow, who has been accused of “slavishly” copying Apple’s designs. However, while Samsung’s nose might be trickling right now, there’s the possibility that Apple might find that the punch it just landed sprained their hand, with both parties agreeing that Apple will have to pay lost sales damages to Samsung if they lose their case in America.
If Apple agreed to that, they must think they have a strong case against Samsung.
[via Bloomberg]
