The Obama administration has overturned a U.S. trade panel's ban on imports of some Apple iPads and older iPhones into the United States, dealing a setback to Apple's rival, Samsung.
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Saturday overturned the ban, which the U.S. International Trade Commission had announced June 4, saying some Apple products violated a patent owned by Samsung.
In a letter to ITC Chairman Irving Williamson, Froman said this policy decision was not an endorsement or a criticism of the commission's decision or analysis. He also said Samsung could continue to pursue its case through the courts.
This was the first time since 1987 that a U.S. administration had taken action against a product ban that the ITC had ordered. The ITC ban was to have taken effect August 4.
Apple welcomed Saturday's decision, while Seoul-based Samsung said it was disappointed.
The two companies have taken their disputes to courts around the globe.
Last year, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple $1 billion in damages for patent infringements. A judge later reduced the award.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Saturday overturned the ban, which the U.S. International Trade Commission had announced June 4, saying some Apple products violated a patent owned by Samsung.
In a letter to ITC Chairman Irving Williamson, Froman said this policy decision was not an endorsement or a criticism of the commission's decision or analysis. He also said Samsung could continue to pursue its case through the courts.
This was the first time since 1987 that a U.S. administration had taken action against a product ban that the ITC had ordered. The ITC ban was to have taken effect August 4.
Apple welcomed Saturday's decision, while Seoul-based Samsung said it was disappointed.
The two companies have taken their disputes to courts around the globe.
Last year, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple $1 billion in damages for patent infringements. A judge later reduced the award.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
