Following legal action by Apple, Australia’s Federal Court has ordered an interim injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. As a result, the Samsung device is unlikely ever to be launched in Australia. It’s claimed that the Galaxy Tab infringes two patents affecting touchscreen operation.
However, intellectual property analyst Florian Mueller says these patents are also broad enough to be applied against any new Android-based touchscreen product. It means that an Apple victory in the full court proceedings - which could be 12 months away - would effectively block any new Android smartphone or tablet from being released in Australia.
In a statement, Samsung said “We are disappointed with this ruling and Samsung 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. 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.”
[FOSS patents blog]