Apple rejects Samsung offer

Apple has rejected an offer by Samsung to settle the companies' dispute over tablet technology in Australia, meaning the patent litigation that started months ago will continue.

Samsung reached out to Apple in court late last week in an attempt to secure the right to finally launch its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia. The device was to go on sale in August, but Apple filed a complaint with the Australian Federal Court saying Samsung had 'slavishly' copied its own designs.

Details of the Samsung proposal were not discussed, but it was thought the company would have to put something serious on the table to force Apple to give up its dominant position, especially as the case could have ramifications in other legal debates taking place worldwide.

Samsung will be desperate to resolve the dispute before the crucial Christmas period, but this latest rejection suggests that outcome is growing more and more unlikely.