Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s largest mobile phone maker, expressed disappointment Tuesday at a U.S. court’s rejection of its request to lift a ban on sales of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets in America.

The U.S. District Court of Northern California on Monday turned down Samsung’s request to delay a preliminary injunction against sales of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 devices in the U.S. market until it files an appeal.

The court issued the injunction last week, accepting Apple Inc.’s claim that Samsung violated its patents. The June 26 ruling took effect after the iPhone maker posted a required bond of $2.6 million, which would later be used to compensate Samsung if the preliminary injunction is reversed.

“Samsung is disappointed with the court’s decision that denied our motion to stay. We believe today’s ruling will ultimately reduce the availability of superior technological features to consumers in the United States,” the company said in a statement.

Samsung, however, added it will continue to appeal the June 26 preliminary injunction.

Monday’s ruling is the latest in a series of lawsuits between the world’s two largest smartphone makers that are vying for a bigger stake of the growing market. (Yonhap News)