Qualcomm now reportedly pushing for US iPhone ban

Earlier this week, Qualcomm scored what it may see as a major victory based on its claims that Apple has infringed its patents in the manufacture of several iPhone models. This involved a ruling in their favor by a Chinese court, which has resulted in the loss of the legal right to import, sell or offer to sell these devices on the part of four Apple subsidiaries. The iPhone lines affected are the 6S through to the X.

Now, it has emerged that the chip-maker is renewing its legal efforts in this respect in the United States. Yesterday (December 15, 2018), the country's International Trade Commission (ITC) announced that it would review a Qualcomm request to block iPhone commerce as it had in China. This petition is again based on claims that Apple infringed on a number of patents secured by the plaintiff. Qualcomm had reportedly initially put this figure at six; however, the ITC has ruled that Apple is guilty of mis-using only one.

The US judge who made this ruling also reportedly recommended that ITC should take no action against Apple as it went against the national interest. However, Qualcomm counsel contests that ITC is obliged to do the opposite, as doing so constitutes "[protecting] American innovators". Therefore, the ITC has announced that it will review the case, and release its ruling by February 19, 2019. 

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