Apple is close to a deal with Samsung Australia after lawyers acting for the Korean Company offered to remove certain features from the Australian version of the Samsung10.1″ Galaxy Tab. If accepted a deal could be presented to Justice Amanda Bennett in the Federal Court as early as today.SmartHouse understands that the changes could relate to software and the way that a user scrolls and uses touch on the OZ version of the tablet PC. The changes will not apply to the US version of the same tablet.
Samsung offered to remove some features from its Galaxy Tab 10.1 on Friday in an email sent to lawyers acting for Apple in an effort to avoid a court-imposed sales ban in Australia. During hearings last week before Justice Bennett Samsung argued that “their” touch” software was different than that used by Apple on the iPad.
Apple claims the Samsung tablet copies many of the iPad’s patented features. Apple has told lawyers at legal firm Blake Dawson who represent Samsung that they need time to consider the merit of Samsung’s proposals.
By removing and changing features Samsung is trying to end its wrangle with Apple so that the device can go on sale later this month.
The two sides will return to court today. However, If Apple accepts the settlement offer the court case could halt and the Tab might be launched soon after.
