Samsung says ITU ruling in favor of Apple would mean less choice, higher prices

24.10.2012
A finding by the U.S. International Trade Commission that Samsung infringed Apple's patents would lead to less choice and higher prices for consumers, Samsung said Wednesday after an ITU judge issued a preliminary decision against the company.

Administrative Law Judge Thomas Pender issued a that Samsung infringed four of Apple's patents, one related to product design and three related to technology.

The infringing devices include models of Samsung's , , and smartphones, according to the judge. If the preliminary finding is upheld by the full commission, the devices could face an import ban in the U.S.

"If left to stand, this initial determination could lead to fewer choices, less innovation, and potentially higher prices for the American consumer," Samsung said in a statement. The company said it was confident the full commission will find in its favor.

Apple could not immediately be reached for comment.

Apple filed the complaint against Samsung last July, after Samsung had filed a similar complaint against Apple. Last month, in another preliminary decision, an ITC judge determined that Apple violate Samsung's patents.