Samsung tablet ban reversed in Australia - Updated

The injunction on sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in Australia has been overturned, according to a Reuters report.

Samsung has been barred from selling the tablet in Australia for months, due to a claim the tablet infringes on patented technology in the market-leading iPad.

The case is to be heard in March and April next year, but Samsung has been desperately attempting to have the injunction lifted in the meantime, particularly in anticipation of the Christmas shopping period.

Samsung will be able to sell the tablet from 4pm on Friday. Apple is expected to appeal before then.

Update: As expected, Apple hasn't given up the fight to keep the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 off the shelves in Australia, convincing the Australian High Court to extend the sales injunction for another week, according to a report on ZDNet.

The Korean company was to start importing the devices at 4:01 today (Australian time), but has been delayed a week for an application for special leave to appeal the Federal Court decision. This means the upcoming hearing is to decide whether or not the court will hear the appeal itself.

Whatever the outcome, another week's delay is another week of the busy Christmas shopping season which Samsung is missing out on. Given the time it will take to distribute and promote the tablet, the damage may already have been done.