Samsung Loses Early Bid to Block iPhone 4S in Italy

Judges in Milan, Italy, have rejected Samsung’s request to have Apple’s iPhone 4S banned in Italy ahead of its October 28th release, according to a report from Italian publication AGI. The case isn’t over, however, and the judge agreed to allow both Apple and Samsung to submit further evidence before another hearing scheduled for December 16th.

Apple vs. Samsung

Samsung has accused Apple of infringing on patents covered by FRAND licensing agreements in an attempt to defend itself against Apple’s own patent infringement claims regarding Samsung’s Galaxy line of Android devices.

So far, Samsung has not been able to persuade any courts or regulatory bodies to bar Apple’ products around the world, but Apple has won injunctions in Germany and Australia, and has active cases against Samsung in several more countries, including the U.S.

In the meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 4S launch will continue in Italy.