United States International Trade Commission Judge Thomas Pender ruled that Samsung was infringing on four Apple patents. These include a patent related to the front face of the iPhone as well as one co-invented by the late Steve Jobs referring to touch-screen technology.

However, the judge’s findings have to be reviewed by the Commission in its entirety but, if uphold, could result in banning South Korean-made products from the U.S. market. February 25, 2013 is the date at which the investigation is scheduled to end. Samsung recently lost one of the battles in the U.S. and had to pay, according to the verdict, one billion dollars (plus some change) to Apple for infringing several patents. In contrast, Apple has lost one battle too –while appealing–  in the UK, where it will have to publicly dismiss Samsung of all accusations (though the final decision will be taken at the Supreme Court where Apple registered its appeal).

While Apple had nothing to comment on the matter, Samsung’s spokesperson declared: “If left to stand, this initial determination could lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices for the American consumer. We remain confident that the full commission will ultimately reach a final determination that affirms our position that patent law must not be manipulated to give one company a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners, or technology that is being improved every day by Samsung and other companies”.

Source: Bloomberg