Samsung fails to get Galaxy Tab sales ban overturned

Apple scores another victory against Samsung but fails to win import ban against HTC

Samsung has been dealt another blow in its long-running patent dispute with Apple, after a US judge refused its request to overturn a sales ban imposed on its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet.

On Monday, US district judge Lucy Koh refused the South Korean giant's request to lift the sales ban she had ordered last week, according to numerous reports.

Apple had convinced the judge that there was sufficient merit in its claims of patent abuse to award the temporary ban. But the case is far from resolved.

Apple was ordered to post a $2.6m bond to protect Samsung from damages in the event that the patent claims were dismissed.

Apple had argued that the design of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 device breached its patents.

Samsung said it was disappointed by the decision, but vowed to continue its fight.

"We believe today's ruling will ultimately reduce the availability of superior technological features to consumers in the US," it said in a statement.

But Apple has not had things all its own way when it comes to blocking rivals.

According to Bloomberg, Apple was thwarted in its bid to get the US International Trade Commission to block imports of HTC's smartphones, including its One X and Evo 4G.

Earlier this year, HTC had a shipment of its handset impounded by US customs, following its dispute with Apple.

But while the ITC continues to investigate Apple's claims against HTC, it refused a request to detain the latest shipment.

V3 was awaiting comment from Apple and HTC at the time of writing.