Chinese Court Bans Older iPhones Amid Qualcomm-Apple Dispute

SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego-based Qualcomm announced Monday that a Chinese court has granted the company's request for two preliminary injunctions against four Chinese subsidiaries of Apple Inc., ordering them to stop infringing on two Qualcomm patents by importing and selling iPhone models 6S through X.

"We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel for Qualcomm. "Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio."

The dispute is over two Qualcomm patents that allow consumers to format photos and manage phone apps using a touch screen.

Apple called Qualcomm's efforts to ban its products a "desperate move," and asked the Chinese court to reconsider its ruling. Apple said all iPhone models remain available for sale in China.

Qualcomm's case against Apple is part of a legal strategy against the iPhone maker around the world, with cases pending in Europe and the United States.

By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock