Apple Rejects Samsung Tablet Settlement ProposalApple Rejects Samsung Tablet Settlement Proposal

Samsung just suffered a notable set-back in its bid to bring the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android Honeycomb tablet to the Australian market. Samsung has already delayed the release of the tablet pending patent litigation from Apple. The two companies met in court last week, and Samsung reached out to Apple with a settlement proposal that would have ended the litigation and allowed Samsung to release the tablet in Australia.

Samsung last week agreed to remove two features that allegedly infringed on Apple's patents from the Galaxy Tab 10.1, leaving only one patent still in question. This patent is related to touch screen display technology.

Apple rejected the proposal Tuesday.

Apple has accused Samsung of "slavishly" copying its iPhone and iPad products in its Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab smartphones and tablets. The two tech titans are battling one another in courts around the world over smartphone patents and designs.

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Steven Burley, the lawyer representing Apple in the Australian court, said that Samsung "provided no basis for a settlement" in the proposal, reported Reuters.

"The main reason we are here is to prevent the launch (of the Galaxy tablet) and maintain the status quo," Burley said to the court.

The Australian court has yet to make a final decision on the matter. Samsung said that if the court can't make up its mind by the middle of October, it may abandon plans to launch the Galaxy Tab in Australia altogether.

Samsung noted that if the case goes to trial, it likely won't be held until early 2012, which would cause Samsung to miss the critical holiday sales period. "If we can't get a decision out by mid-October, there is no urgency," said Neil Young, a lawyer for Samsung.

Samsung originally planned to launch the Galaxy Tab in Australia in August. The delay has reduced the Tab 10.1's window of opportunity. Samsung said that missing the holiday sales season would leave the device "commercially dead" in Australia.

The judge presiding over the case, Justice Annabelle Bennett, said she hopes to make a final decision regarding the case as soon as possible.

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