The Federal Court has slapped a temporary ban on the sale of Samsung's latest tablet computer in Australia.

The decision to block the sale of the Galaxy 10.1 tablet hands rival Apple another legal victory in the global patent war between the two firms.

The companies have been locked in an acrimonious battle in nine countries involving smartphone and tablet patents since April, with the Australian dispute centring on touch-screen technology.

Apple accused Samsung's Galaxy range of tablets and mobile phones of being too similar to its iPad and iPhone and applied for an injunction to stop Samsung from selling or advertising the products in Australia and for all the stock to be destroyed.

At the Federal Court in Sydney today, Justice Annabelle Bennett granted a temporary injunction against Samsung, ruling that Apple had established a prima facie case that the South Korean company had breached touch screen technology copyrights.

The decision is not final, but for now it means Samsung cannot sell its tablet in Australia.

Justice Bennett said Apple was likely to succeed at trial, but that the balance of evidence had to be weighed up.

"I am satisfied that it is appropriate to grant an interim injunction, however I propose again the opportunity of an early final hearing on the issues presented in this application," she told the court.

"Despite the force of Samsung's submissions, I have found that Apple has established a prima facie case of infringement of claims of both (its) patent(s).

"That is, it has established a probability, not necessarily in a mathematical sense, that it will, on the present evidence, succeed at trial.

"Overall, considering that Apple has established a prima facie case with respect to two separate patents, and that the balance of convenience is marginally in its favour, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to grant the interim injunction."

Sorry, this audio has expired Samsung can't sell Tablets in Australia ( Emily Bourke )

High stakes

It is likely that neither Samsung nor Apple will back down, with the stakes very high for both players.

There is a chance they may be able to come to terms in future hearings, as in the past Samsung has made some modifications to try and get its product over the line.

Some industry experts say the broad nature of the patents in Apple's case means it could even sue other competitors.

They say Apple may have been targeting Samsung first because it is the biggest threat.

Experts say the case against Samsung could be a test case for Apple before it tries the same thing on other rivals.

It is unclear, however, whether courts would allow such a broad monopoly on multi-touch technology.

Gift-giving season

The Federal Court's ban applies until it rules on the core patent issue in dispute, which could take months and force Samsung to miss the Christmas gift-giving season in Australia.

Samsung has said that the product's viability in the Australian market would be killed off if it missed Christmas.

Samsung said in a statement it would be seeking legal advice on its options.

"We are disappointed with this ruling," the company said.

"Samsung will continue its legal proceeding against Apple's claim in order to ensure our innovative products remain available to consumers."

The decision follows Apple's successful legal move to block Samsung from selling its tablets in Germany and some smartphone models in the Netherlands.

It comes ahead of similar hearings in the United States and South Korea.

Future hearings will be held in Australia in the coming months.

ABC/wires