The Australian Federal Court has granted an injunction to prevent Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1, due to similarities between the device and Apple’s market-leading iPad.

The injunction will last until a full hearing can take place, probably some time in 2012.

Samsung has previously said missing the Christmas 2011 period would render the tablet all but dead in Australia.

However, the company has vowed to fight on in the dispute.

"Samsung will continue its legal proceeding against Apple’s claim in order to ensure our innovative products remain available to consumers,” Samsung Electronics says in a statement.

The dispute relates to two patents around touch screen technology, in particular the gestures with which they are used.

Samsung is pursuing its own counter-claims relating to infringements of patents for wireless technology.