Qualcomm Wins Patent Battle Against Apple; Court Orders Ban on iPhone
Following the legal battle between Qualcomm and Apple, the former chip technology-maker has delivered a blow to the Cupertino giant.
In a press release, Qualcomm announced that the Fuzhou Intermediate People’s Court in China has ruled in favor of it, in the long-standing patent battle against Apple. The court has granted Qualcomm’s request for two preliminary injunctions against four of Apple’s Chinese subsidiaries.
According to Qualcomm, the iPhone infringes on two patents. The iPhone lineup in question includes iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
“Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us.”
– Qualcomm
In a statement, Apple called this move a “desperate attempt” by Qualcomm. Apple even went as far as to say that Qualcomm’s “illegal practices” are under investigation by regulators worldwide.
The verdict pushed Apple to file a request for another review. Qualcomm says it would “seek enforcement of the orders through enforcement tribunals” if Apple is found violating the court’s orders.
The court orders prevent the importation and sale of these iPhone models in China. Although Apple says the iPhones running iOS 12 are not affected, Qualcomm states that the ban is not tied to OS version. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max remain unaffected by this ban.
“The patents enable consumers to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs, and to manage applications using a touchscreen when viewing, navigating and dismissing applications on their phones.”
– Qualcomm
Apple states that Qualcomm never raised the three patents before, and one of which has been reviewed and deemed invalid. At the time of writing this, Apple’s iPhone 7 and all above are available for purchase through Apple’s website. Though, it should be noted that Apple officially discontinued the 6S and 6S Plus this year.
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