Apple Gets a Patent Win in China -- WSJ
March 27 2017 - 3:02AM
Dow Jones News
BEIJING -- A Chinese court has overturned a ruling against Apple
Inc. over iPhone patents, a win for the tech giant in one of its
toughest markets.
The Beijing IP Court ruled the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus don't
infringe on patents for exterior smartphone design held by a
defunct local manufacturer, Shenzhen Baili Marketing Services
Co.
The court found Baili had no grounds to claim the exterior
designs were exclusive, and that it was easy for consumers to
detect the differences, according to the verdict reported by a
newspaper supervised by China's Supreme People's Court.
"Baili has been trying to claim our work as their own and we
thank the Beijing IP Court for recognizing the value of Apple's
unique and innovative design," an Apple spokeswoman said in a
statement Sunday.
Baili's lawyer, Andy Yang of Beijing Wis & Weals, said
Sunday the decision would be appealed. "We think some of the facts
ascertained by the Beijing IP court are not accurate, so Baili is
definitely going to continue to safeguard its legitimate rights,"
he said.
In May last year, the Beijing Intellectual Property Office
granted Baili a sales injunction in the capital city against the
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The injunction was immediately
suspended pending an appeal from Apple.
The Beijing IP Court's decision on March 24 came shortly after
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook visited China, speaking to top
officials and pledging further investment in the country. The Apple
spokeswoman declined to say if Mr. Cook had spoken with officials
about the suit during his visit.
If Apple had lost its appeal, it would have had minimal
immediate impact on its business, since it only covered older
iPhone models. But it could have paved the way for further cases
against Apple's newer models.
China has been Apple's toughest market in recent times, as local
rivals eat into its market share with lower-priced, high-spec
devices.
Chinese internet giant Baidu Inc. was a major investor in Baili
in 2013, but has since distanced itself from the company.
--Eva Dou and Yang Jie
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 27, 2017 02:47 ET (06:47 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2017 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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