Washington - Some older Samsung Electronics Co smartphones and tablets could be taken off store shelves in the United States after the US Trade Representative opted not to reverse a ban ordered because the devices infringe Apple Inc patents.
The decision is the latest step in a patent battle across several countries as Apple and Samsung vie for market share in the lucrative mobile industry. Samsung and Apple are the No. 1 and No. 2 smartphone makers globally, respectively.
Neither the US International Trade Commission (ITC), which made the patent ruling, nor the US Customs and Border Protection, which would enforce the ban, has spelled out which of Samsung's many devices will be affected.
Despite the ban, AT&T expected to continue selling Samsung products.
“This decision will not affect our ability to provide the latest Samsung devices,†said Marty Richter, a spokesman for AT&T.
The ITC said on August 9 that some smartphone and tablet models made by South Korea's Samsung infringed on Apple patents, and banned their importation or sale.
