iPhone 4 imports banned in US patent case

The U.S. International Trade Commission said it is banning imports of Apple's iPhone 4 and iPad 2 3G after determining the devices violate a patent held by rival Samsung Electronics.

The ruling, issued in Samsung's patent lawsuit against Apple, could end Apple's ability to sell the older versions of the iPhone and iPad in the U.S. because they are assembled in China. The panel issued a limited import ban and a cease-and-desist order for AT&T models of the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 3G, which are still made. IPhone 3GS and iPad 3G, which are no longer made, were also cited in the ruling. Apple says it plans to appeal. President Barack Obama has 60 days to invalidate the order.