U.S. Government has invalidated a decision by the International Trade Commission in Washington which has banned the import of iPhone 4 and iPad 2 3G following an action brought to justice by Samsung Electronics, claiming that Apple’s products made in China infringe a number of patents on various technologies.
U.S. Trade Representative, Michael Froman, appointed by President Barack Obama to assess the case, said on Saturday that the ban on import of iPhone 4 and iPad 2 3G from China is unwarranted, since patents relate to technologies are fundamental to the functioning of mobile devices.
This is the first time since 1987 that the U.S. government intervenes in a decision of the International Trade Commission (ITC). President Ronald Reagan did so when he overturned a decision on the import of memory chips for computers produced by Samsung.
Obama administration’s decision could discourage future litigation between the companies related to intellectual property rights in various technologies. Apple and Samsung fight each other in court in 30 countries on 5 continents, each company trying to get a ban on rival products on grounds of infringement of patents.
“Ultimately, this may lead to easing of patent laws and bring the lose-lose and meaningless patent war between Samsung and Apple to an end,” said Lee Sun Tae, an analyst with NH Investment & Securities Co. in Seoul.
Apple spokesperson Kristin Huguet said the group welcomes the decision made by the Obama administration. “We applaud the administration for standing up for innovation in this landmark case. Samsung was wrong to abuse the patent system in this way,” Huguet said.
Samsung representatives were disappointed by the ruling. “The ITC’s decision correctly recognized that Samsung has been negotiating a license in good faith and that Apple remains unwilling to take a license,” said Samsung spokesman Nam Ki Young.
iPhone sales rose to $78.7 billion in the last fiscal year, accounting for half of Apple’s revenue.
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