Apple has won a decision in the federal court that stops Samsung from selling their Android-powered Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia until patent disputes are resolved. What this means is that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 won't launch here in Australia next week and further expansion to the legal battle over 10 Apple-owned patents covering the touchscreen and "look and feel" of the iPad. Apple and Samsung are currently duking it out in courts across the world including the US, Germany, UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Japan, South Korea and now Australia.

Apple is still trying their best to get the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (and other Samsung Android-powered phones) blocked in the US, they're currently fighting over court dates. Apple's legal counsel slammed the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as a "copycat tablet," while Samsung said they would argue some of the 10 patents are not even valid in Australia.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 29, and Samsung is required to supply Apple with three Australian Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 samples before then. Samsung are ordered to stop advertising the Tab 10.1 until the matter is resolved, and Apple pays Samsung damages if they lose.