ITC Starts Patent Infringement Investigation of Apple iPhones, iPads

The International Trade Commission began a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into allegations Apple smartphones and tablets infringe patents held by Nokia, said the ITC last week. In a complaint filed Dec. 22, Nokia said Apple’s iPhone 6, 6S, 7 and SE smartphones and its iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 4, iPad Air, iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro tablets infringe its patents. The ITC will decide whether to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of infringing merchandise by Apple. That company didn't comment Tuesday.