Apple Wins Big in China, Ban on iPhones Lifted After Infringement Case Ruling is Overturned [VIDEO]

Apple Wins Big in China, Ban on iPhones Lifted After Infringement Case Ruling is Overturned

Charles Lim

Apple recently scored a big win in China this week as it was finally able the overturn the long-standing ban on its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones in the country. The Beijing Intellectual Property Office previously banned the sale of the two flagship smartphones due to a complaint that was filed against the company for patent and copyright infringement.

The complaint was originally filed against Apple by Shenzhen Baili back in 2014. The plaintiff claimed that the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus' design were infringing on their design patents for their own 100C smartphone. Some of the design infringement claims were for the phone's rounded corners and curved edges.

Following the complaint, the Beijing Intellectual Property Office immediately ordered Apple and the local retailer, Zoom flight, to cease all iPhone 6 sales in the country. According to Slash Gear, a Chinese court overturned the previous ruling this week and stated that Apple's products had enough distinguishable features to differentiate it from Shenzen Baili's 100C smartphone. The court also added that, after further investigation, there was actually no legal basis that was found for the claim.

The reversal of the ban was instigated by Apple and Zoom flights counter suit against regulators, who they claimed had not followed proper procedures when it ordered the ban on their products. Apple has of course been facing some stiff opposition within the country, mainly from rival manufacturers, patent holding entities, and some government agencies.

While the lifting of the ban on the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus is a big victory for Apple, the company still faces several other copyright infringement cases within the country. The cases include alleged patent infringement for Siri and even the company's iPhone trademark. Apple also has to contend with the country's own home-grown OEM manufacturers, who apparently have the full backing of the government as their biggest advantage.

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