Apple iPhone 4

Apple would have had to stop importing and selling the iPad 1 and 2 for AT&T and the iPhone 4 for AT&T and T-Mobile, among other products, if U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman hadn’t stepped in today to veto a U.S. International Trade Commission ban on them.

The ITC ruled on June 4 that Apple had infringed on Samsung patents dealing with 3G transmissions.  It would have taken effect after a 60-day waiting period if the Obama administration didn’t overturn it. Froman did so, he said, based on the order’s impact on “competitive conditions in the U.S. economy and the effect on U.S. consumers”. He added, though, that the veto “is not an endorsement or a criticism” of the ITC. It also leaves open the opportunity for Samsung to “continue to pursue its rights through the courts”.

This is one of several patent infringement charges that Apple and Samsung have flung at each other. Apple had argued that the patents in this case governed essential services, which would require Samsung to license them on generous terms. Apple praised the administration for “standing up for innovation in this landmark case”, CNBC reports. Samsung says it was disappointed with the decision adding that it “has been negotiating in good faith and that Apple remains unwilling to take a license”.

 

Source: Deadline New York