Apple has lost a High Court bid to stop Samsung selling its Galaxy tablet computer in Australia.

Apple had said Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 was too similar to its iPad.

The Federal Court last month reversed a ruling banning the tablet, but Apple launched an appeal to the High Court, effectively stopping the sale.

But today the High Court ruled in Samsung's favour, saying the argument from Apple's lawyers had insufficient prospects of success.

Samsung says an injunction should never have been granted in the first place.

A spokeswoman says the tablet will be available in stores in time for Christmas.

ABC/AAP