Import and Sales of Older iPhones Banned in China

Qualcomm announced today that it has been granted two preliminary injunctions towards four Chinese subsidiaries of Apple for patent infringement. The decision was taken by the Intermediate People’s Court in Fuzhou, a southern province in China, on Sept. 10.

According to China Business News, Apple’s appeal to the Chinese court effectively banned the sale of older models of iPhones, ranging from 6s to X. And according to CNN, these phones make up about 10 percent to 15 percent of current iPhone sales in China.

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The two patents have been recognized as valid by the State Intellectual Property Office of China in the patent invalidation procedures. The patents concern the functions that enable consumers to adjust the sizes and appearances of their photos, as well as managing apps through touching the screens.

According to CNBC, the executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm Incorporated Donald Rosenberg commented, “Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These Court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm’s vast patent portfolio.”

Apple responded to this by saying, “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.”

“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.”

It is not the first time these two tech giants have gone head to head. Back in January 2017, Apple filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm for charging irrational patent fees, demanding a $1 billion compensation.

Featured photo credit to Sohu