ITC: Samsung violated two Apple patents

Last week, President Obama blocked a decision by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that would have prevented the iPhone 4 and some iPad models from being imported into the U.S. Back in June, the ITC ruled that Apple had violated Samsung's cellular data patent. However, since Samsung had licensed its technology on "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" (FRAND) terms, Obama argued that Apple had done nothing wrong.

Now, the tables seem to have turned.

On Friday, the ITC decided that this time, it was Samsung that has violated Apple patents. Specifically, the commission ruled that the South Korean technology company had infringed upon a patent for multitouch features and headphone jack detection.

Though devices that use this technology will be targeted by an import ban, the Washington Post reports that such a restriction will not be a large burden on Samsung. The company is reportedly working to release smartphones and tablets that do not use the patented technology.

The upside for Samsung is that the ITC ruled in its favor over a dispute about hardware. For some time now, Apple has claimed that Samsung has violated its patented rounded corners and the iPhone's rectangular screen. The ITC rejected that view, allowing Samsung to continue making smartphones that look similar to other phones on the market, including the iPhone.

Assuming the ITC rulings stand, the future of the U.S. smartphone marketplace will be determined in part by how well Samsung can adapt to them. Patent law has the power to make or break businesses, which is why it is so important to consult with a Phoenix business attorney.

Categorised in: International Business Law

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