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Judge rejects Apple’s request to block Samsung smartphone and tablet sales in the U.S.

While the legal drama continues to hash out in other countries, a U.S. judge has rejected Apple’s request to block some Samsung smartphone and tablet sales in the U.S., Reuters reports. The ruling occurred Friday afternoon in a California court, bringing an end to this part of the case. The legal proceedings began in April, after Apple claimed Samsung was misusing Apple’s patents for three smartphones and the Galaxy Tab 10.1. But don’t think this is the end of the war on the U.S. front. Apple will most likely file more lawsuits over more patent infringements. The judge ruled today:

It is not clear that an injunction on Samsung’s accused devices would prevent Apple from being irreparably harmed.

Apple has been pressing courts around the world to put injunctions on Samsung’s apparent infringing products. On November 30th an Australian judge lifted the preliminary injunction on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that was originally granted earlier in the year. In a statement on the matter, Samsung said this:

Samsung welcomes today’s ruling denying Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction. This ruling confirms our long-held view that Apple’s arguments lack merit. In particular, the court has recognized that Samsung has raised substantial questions about the validity of certain Apple design patents. We are confident that we can demonstrate the distinctiveness of Samsung’s mobile devices when the case goes to trial next year. We will continue to assert our intellectual property rights and defend against Apple’s claims to ensure our continued ability to provide innovative mobile products to consumers.

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