The International Trade Commission has issued a ban on the sale of older iPhones and iPads in the US after it was discovered that select models infringe on a patent owned by Samsung. Infringing models include the iPhone 3G, 3GS, iPhone 4 as well as the 3G models of the iPad and iPad 2 – all on AT&T’s network.
The patent in question has to do with an “apparatus and method for encoding / decoding transport format combination indicator in CDMA mobile communication system.” Samsung accused Apple of violating three other patents as well but the ITC only found Cupertino guilty of infringing on the aforementioned patent.
A spokesperson for Samsung said they believe the ITC’s determination has confirmed Apple’s history of free-riding on their technological innovations. Apple will reportedly appeal the decision in the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
As for now, the infringing products will remain on store shelves during a 60-day review process. Apple no longer sells the iPhone 3G and 3GS which is a bit of a moot point there but the iPad 2 and iPhone 4 are still offered.
Interestingly enough, President Obama has the option to veto the ITC’s decision although we’re told that rarely happens. Just yesterday, however, it was revealed that the president was working on a package of reforms aimed specifically at the patent system in the US. Those reforms are expected to be announced in the near future, according to at least one publication.
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