The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has found that Apple violated one of Samsung Electronics’ patents, and ordered a ban on sale of some older iPhone maker devices from the US market.
The commission found that Apple violated a Samsung patent, which covers technology used to send information over wireless networks.
Unless vetoed by US President Barack Obama or blocked by an appeals court, the ruling would ban the sales of some iPhones and iPads made to work on AT&T which include the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G, iPad 2 3G and iPad 3.
However, the latest Apple products such as the iPhone 5 and the fourth-generation of the iPad are not included in the ban.
Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said: "We are disappointed that the commission has overturned an earlier ruling and we plan to appeal.
"Today’s decision has no impact on the availability of Apple products in the United States," Huguet added.
Samsung said: "We believe the ITC’s final determination has confirmed Apple’s history of free-riding on Samsung’s technological innovations."
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In June 2011, Samsung first sought a ban of Apple’s allegedly infringing products, claiming most of its devices were being copied by the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Apple and Samsung have been involved in a series of court battles for the past few years on the technologies used in their respective devices.
