The latest in Qualcomm v Apple could see an iPhone import ban in the US

The latest development in Qualcomm versus Apple sees a judge preliminarily declare the iPhone maker guilty of infringing on one of the former’s patents. Although the ruling is still under review by the International Trade Commission (ITC), it could see an import ban prevent the sale of affected smartphones containing the technology in the United States.

In particular, ITC judge MaryJoan McNamara has stated on Tuesday that Apple has clearly violated Qualcomm’s US Patent No. 8,063,674 by using the same power management system. In particular, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices contain the infringing technology and could face a temporary ban until a verdict is reached in July.

“A complete recommendation on remedy and bond will be forthcoming together with findings of fact and an analysis of the effects of the public interest factors on the issue of remedy,” explains McNamara. “However, it should be noted that I will be recommending that a limited exclusion order together with a cease and desist order, both with certification provisions, issue against Apple.”

Qualcomm has praised the preliminary decision, stating that it “appreciates Judge McNamara's recognition of Apple's infringement of our hardware patent and that she will be recommending an import ban and cease and desist order.” It’s not all in the chipmaker’s favour however, as another judge later that day invalidated Qualcomm’s claim that Apple infringed on a patent pertaining to battery saving.

“We’re pleased the ITC has found Qualcomm’s latest patent claims invalid, it’s another important step to making sure American companies are able to compete fairly in the marketplace,” Apple said in a statement. “Qualcomm is using these cases to distract from having to answer for the real issues, their monopolistic business practices.”

Qualcomm has expressed concern over the ramifications of this decision, particularly suggesting it would stifle current progress within the company and allow manufacturers other than Apple to utilise what it claims is its own technology.

KitGuru Says: It doesn’t seem as though this legal battle is anywhere near close to ending with more than 80 open cases spanning worldwide and taking months at a time to come to any form of conclusion.

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