NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. trade agency says it is banning imports of Apple’s iPhone 4 after finding the device violates a patent held by rival Samsung Electronics.
Because the phone is assembled in China, the import would end Apple’s ability to sell new iPhone 4 devices in the U.S.
The U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington issued a final ruling Tuesday in Samsung’s suit against Apple. The president has 60 days to invalidate the order. Apple can also appeal the ruling.
Samsung and Apple are engaged in a global legal battle over their smartphones, with Apple arguing that Samsung and its Android phones copy vital features of the iPhone. Samsung is fighting back with its own complaints.
The iPhone 4 was launched in 2010 and is the oldest iPhone still being made.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.