​China Reportedly To Ban Sale Of iPhone Models For ‘Violating Patents’

American chip supplier Qualcomm has won an order from a Chinese court to ban the import and sale of iPhone models in China due to patent violations, the Financial Times reports.

California-based Qualcomm has said the preliminary order - issued on 30 November - will affect all iPhone models sold with older versions of Apple's iOS operating system, ranging from iPhone 6S to the iPhone X.

Qualcomm, which is the world's largest supplier of mobile phone chips, had initially filed the case in China in late 2017.

"We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice-president and general counsel for Qualcomm.

Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court found Apple had violated two of Qualcomm's software patents - one that enables users to adjust and resize photos, and one relating to viewing and using apps via touch screen.

"Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us," Rosenberg added.

"These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio."

PA

The models affected by the ruling are the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

Apple, however, has claimed the ruling will not affect the availability of its devices in China, arguing that it only applies to iPhones running on an older operating system.

"Qualcomm's effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world," Apple said in a statement.

"All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Qualcomm is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated. We will pursue all our legal options through the courts."

Qualcomm has also apparently asked regulators in the United States to ban the import of some iPhone models over patent concerns, but officials have declined the request.

Following the ruling in China, Apple shares fell two percent on Monday, while Qualcomm's rose by three percent.

According to CNBC, Apple's stock turned negative for 2018 on Friday, and is already down by 26 percent this quarter.

Topics: Phones and Gadgets, World News, News, Technology, China, Apple, iPhone

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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