Apple denied US Samsung Galaxy S3 ban

Apple has been denied a request to have the Samsung Galaxy S3 banned from sale in the US.

The firm had filed the request last week in an attempt to hamper the launch of its rival's latest flagship device but US judge Lucy Koh declared that the firm could not add another device to its forthcoming trial docket.

"The pending motion for preliminary injunction is fully briefed, and the court will not consider any further discovery or briefing," she said in her judgment.

"An order on the pending motion for preliminary injunction will issue shortly. If Apple seeks to file a motion to enjoin sales of the Samsung Galaxy S3, Apple will have to request a new hearing date from the court."

V3 contacted Apple and Samsung for comment on the ruling but had received no response at the time of publication.

The scheduled trial is set to take place on 21 June and will see several Samsung devices under scrutiny over alleged design and patent infringement claims from Apple. The trial could result in Samsung's devices being withdrawn from sales in the US.

Samsung will be hoping to avoid this fate as it looks to retain its position as the only major competitor to Apple's success in the handset market.

The Galaxy S3 has already proven to be a hugely popular device with crowds turning out to purchase the device in London when it was launched.

V3 reviewed the device and while stopping short of giving it a five star review was left with no doubt it's the best Android handset on the market.