An Australian judge suggests Apple pony up some iPad sales figures to bolster its argument for barring sales of Samsung’s Galaxy 10.1 tablet. Although it is was only a suggestion, the tech giant may have to disclose sales in the UK and U.S. – something Samsung attorneys have demanded.
Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett Monday said without evidence showing Samsung’s tablet hurt iPad sales, “I can’t draw any positive assumptions,” Bloomberg reports. The problem for Apple, which contends the Galaxy Tab is “remarkably similar” to its tablet, is that executives have long said it was selling every iPad it can get its hands on.
Apple could still release positive iPad sales figures but argue the existence of a similar tablet may have blunted potential sales. If someone went into a store looking for an iPad, but found the device out of stock and purchased a Galaxy Tab instead, that would still be damaging for Apple, the Cupertino, Calif. company could argue.
Currently, Samsung has voluntarily held the Galaxy Tab 10.1 from the Australian market. However, the court will hold another hearing later this month that could order a preliminary injunction until a final decision is announced.
In Europe, Apple has had mixed results attempting to stop distribution of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. A German court initially banned the device in all European countries, except the Netherlands, then revised the ruling to cover just countries who are EU members.
