Apple loses US trade panel ruling in Samsung dispute

Apple has lost a ruling by a US trade panel in a patent dispute with its rival Samsung.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple infringed on a Samsung patent, which could mean some older models of the iPad and iPhone are banned from sale in the US. The patent relates to 3G wireless technology and the ability to transmit multiple services correctly and at the same time.

Apple said it plans to appeal, BBC reports.

The ruling could also be reversed by a US presidential order within 60 days.

The ruling overturned an earlier decision by ITC Judge James Gildea, who said in September that Apple did not violate the patents at issue in the case, which was filed nearly three years ago.

"We believe the ITC's final determination has confirmed Apple's history of free-riding on Samsung's technological innovations," a Samsung statement said.

However, the victory may be largely symbolic, because the ban covers models that are made in China and no longer actively sold in the US market.

These include the AT&T iPhone 4 and iPhone 3 and 3GS, and the iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G, also sold by AT&T.

"Today's decision has no impact on the availability of Apple products in the United States," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement.