The drawn out legal battle between Apple and Qualcomm hit another milestone. Qualcomm was granted an injunction that bans sales and imports of a number of iPhone models in China.
The Chinese court sided with Qualcomm on its argument that stated Apple violated two of its patents that dealt with app management and resizing photos. The models affected include the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus and X.
However, Apple is not taking the ruling lying down. It’s already disputing the ruling, saying it only applies to iPhones running an older version of iOS in a statement to CNBC. Regardless of the ruling, Apple says all iPhone models are available in China.
“Qualcomm’s efforts to ban our products is another desperate move by the company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world,” Apple said.. “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.”
Apple is correct in saying Qualcomm is under investigation by regulators. In fact, it’s been fined by multiple regulatory bodies upwards of $1 billion for illegal business tactics to create a monopoly.
This latest development in the complicated saga is a victory for Qualcomm but with Apple already fervently fighting back, it may be a short-lived one.
