If you’re thinking that the global fight between Samsung and Apple over patents related to tablets and smartphones is beginning to resemble the 7 Years’ War, you’re right. We’ve already seen dueling complaints of patent infringement filed in European courts, with Apple managing to block sales of Samsung’s Galaxy tab 10.1 in Germany and getting a similar preliminary decision in a Dutch Court. And of course, South Korea-based Samsung has moved to block iPhone 5 in Korea. But if all of that wasn’t enough, their tit-for-tat battle has become tat-for-tit thanks to the Coriolis effect, as they’ve expanded their battle into the Australian court system.

In August, Apple took Samsung to court in New South Wales alleging that Galaxy 10.1 violated several Apple patents connected to iPad; Samsung countered that Apple’s accusations were based on Galaxy Tabs sold in the US, not those sold in Australia. They presented 3 different models which differed considerably from US versions, prompting Apple to accuse Samsung of removing the offending components ex post facto.

Shortly thereafter, Samsung returned the favor with a counter-claim that Apple’s iPhone and iPad violate their own patents. Earlier today, Apple responded with a slightly pared-down case, limited to three elements they allege infringe on their patents: multi-touch features, the design of the touchscreen, and the Galaxy Tab’s ‘heuristic’ capabilities.

They also claimed that Galaxy Tab’s white and yellow packaging is designed to mimic iPad packaging, presumably to trick consumers into purchasing Samsung instead of Apple. Because of the well-known principle of economic activity that people never look at brand names or prices when making expensive technology purchases.

Today’s proceedings were focused on explaining the contested patents to the presiding judge, presumably using the Australian versions of the PC and Mac guys. Samsung and Apple will resume the court battle proper on Thursday.