Apple and Qualcomm's new patent progress: iPhone avoids import ban

        Just imagine how big a blow it would be to Apple if the iPhone was banned in the US market.

　　According to US media reports, a US trade judge ruled that Apple infringed two Qualcomm patents related to power management and data download speeds. As a result, International Trade Commission Judge MaryJoan McNamara said some iPhone models containing rival Intel modems may be banned from import into the United States. The ruling is still awaiting review by the ITC.

　　Fortunately, the U.S. International Trade Commission dismissed Qualcomm's second patent infringement lawsuit in two cases against Apple, allowing the latter's iconic iPhone to escape an import ban.

　　The commission said in a posting on its website that Qualcomm's patent for a battery-saving feature was invalid. The decision sidestepped a debate over whether the import ban would limit Intel's entry into the market for modem chips and allow foreign competitors to take the lead in fifth-generation wireless technology.

　　The decision came hours after another ITC judge said Apple infringed Qualcomm patents. The case still needs to be reviewed by the full commission, which is expected to be completed in July.