According to Reuters, the US International Trade Commission has issued a limited exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order against the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G. This ban only applies to devices that run on AT&T’s network.
This ruling is the result of a decision for Samsung in a patent infringement complaint involving “wireless communications devices” and “portable music and data processing devices.” This exclusion order will be sent to the desk of Barack Obama, who has 60 days to veto the order or let it go into effect. Because Apple manufactures the iPhone overseas, this ruling could halt the import of these iPhone or iPad models into the US.
Update: Apple issued a statement about the ruling through CNBC which said it is disappointed with ITC ruling and plans to appeal. The decision has no impact on availability of Apple products in U.S., the company added.
[Via Reuters]