APPLE HAS SECURED a temporary ban against the sale of Samsung’s new Galaxy tablet in Australia in the ongoing patent battle between the tech rivals.

The Federal Court ruling granted an injunction against the sale of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in its current form in Australia until a further court order is issued or the patent dispute between the two companies is resolved.

Apple filed the Australian complaint in July, claiming Samsung had copied its touch screen technology. It is not clear if Samsung could attempt to sell an alternative version of the device if the features cited in the complaint were removed.

That patent dispute has been fought in ten countries and the latest ruling comes as a blow to Samsung’s aims to launch the tablet in time for Australia’s Christmas market. In a statement, the company said it was “disappointed” with the court ruling and that it “will be seeking legal advice on its options”.

“Samsung will continue its legal proceeding against Apple’s claim in order to ensure our innovative products remain available to consumers,” the statement continued, adding that it will “continue to legally assert” its intellectual property rights against those who violate its patents and “free ride on our technology”.

It has filed a counterclaim accusing Apple of infringing on its wireless technology patents.

Meanwhile, Samsung recently announced plans to file for injunctions against the sale of Apple’s latest iPhone in France and Italy over the continuing patent battle.

- Additional reporting by the AP

Read: Samsung seeks to block iPhone 4S sale in France and Italy >

Read: Apple v Samsung: German court upholds injunction banning sale of Galaxy tablets >

Watch: Here’s how Apple’s iPhone 4S works >