Econintersect: The US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled on Tuesday that Apple infringed on a patent owned by Samsung and is forthwith banned from selling older models of the iPhone in the U.S. The patent infringement involves the ability of devices to transmit multiple services simultaneously and correctly through 3G wireless technology. Under the ruling the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G that are compatible with the AT&T network are banned from import or sale. Sales by Apple itself and carriers other than AT&T are not affected by the order provided the units are not AT&T compatible.
While AT&T was the biggest seller of apple devices when the complaint was filed two years ago, there are now other significant distribution channels that have displaced some of the AT&T sales volumes. According to an article at Al Jezeera, Apple has issued a statement that the ruling will have no impact on the availability of Apple products in the U.S. According to another article by CNN Money, enforcement of the ban will not start immediately because Apple is filing an appeal.
The ruling could be vetoed by President Obama within 60 days or after a lengthy appeals process if the president does not intercede.
Last August $1 billion was awarded to Apple for Samsung violation of Apple patents. See GEI News. That case is still in appeals.
Perhaps these two companies should simply reach an agreement and start saving big money now spent on legal fees.
Sources:
- Samsung scores victory against Apple (Al Jazeera, 05 June 2013)
- Apple banned from selling some iPhones and iPads after Samsung patent win (Julianne Pepitone, CNN Money, 04 June 2013)
- Apple: Not Quite Total Victory over Samsung (GEI News, 25 August 2012)
