BOE, a Chinese display manufacturer whose panels are expected to be a part of the upcoming iPhone SE 4, seemingly infringed on Samsung’s patents, according to a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling. Fortunately, Apple’s supplier can continue providing its client with the key component because, according to the latest report, the government agency has rejected Samsung’s request to impose a complete ban on the import and sale of BOE products.
Samsung’s request to ban BOE displays from being imported was rejected by the ITC, but the final decision will be made in March next year, which could affect Apple’s iPhone SE 4 launch
Even though the ruling favored Samsung, the ITC’s preliminary decision means that BOE can continue supplying Apple with displays that will be used in the technology giant’s products, such as the upcoming iPhone SE 4. However, the saga is far from over because The Elec reports that Samsung has requested a reexamination of ITC’s decision. The final verdict is said to be made in March next year, which is around the same time the low-cost iPhone SE 4 is slated to launch.
This is not the first time a U.S. governing body has targeted BOE. Earlier, we reported that The Select Committee On The CCP, Chairman John Moolenar, wrote to the U.S. Department of Defense that Chinese display suppliers like BOE pose a security risk to the country. The latest report states that the ITC rejected Samsung’s request to ban the use of BOE’s displays in the U.S. because there would be no impact on the industry in the region if such a move was made.
A patent industry insider, whose identity was kept anonymous, said that ITC considers all aspects when concluding if a company should be banned in the U.S. For instance, even if a patent infringement has taken place if the industry in the country is not negatively affected, then no such measures are taken. For Samsung, its motive appears to be clear because, with BOE out of the picture, it will be Apple’s only choice to procure low-cost panels in the Cupertino firm’s more affordable products.
We previously reported that BOE successfully outbid Samsung and became the primary supplier of iPhone SE 4 panels. It was estimated that Apple attempted to ink a deal for $25 per OLED, but Samsung could not reach an agreement, leaving BOE to become the immediate alternative.
News Source: The Elec
