The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on August 9 ordered a ban on the import and sale of some Samsung Electronics Co. mobile devices after finding they infringed on two　Apple　Inc.'s　patents. The rulings initiated an internet buzz in China. Inside watcher analyzes that the industry of smart terminals and smart phones witnesses a remarkable growth in recent years,   Chinese companies should be more cautious and attach great importance to patent portfolio, even though American market is the main battle field between Apple and Samsung.

The import ban is subject to a 60-day veto period, where President Obama could select to veto the decision. If the Obama administration not to exercise the power of veto, the rulings will take effect after 60 days. The devices that are considered infringe these patents include the Galaxy S 4G, Fascinate, Captivate, Galaxy Tab, and Galaxy Tab 10.1, as well as a handful of other smart phones and tablets PC released in 2010 and 2011. Analyst says that even if the rulings take effect, it won't have a huge impact on Samsung's current and future market in America.

This patent dispute between the world's top two smart phone manufactures started in 2011 and it never ends up to now. In August 2012, The California jury found that Samsung infringed Six Apple Patents, imposed $1.05 billion for penalty. The Jury's decision draws worldwide attention. Analyst says that Samsung is now taking over Apple as the world No. 1 smart phone manufacturer. The former glory Apple is trying to re-build power in smart phone market by dismissing opponents with their patent portfolio. According to this analyst, the patent war between these two giants tells that IPR will be a crucial weapon in the global economic competition. New competition rules will be attached great importance when IPR plays the role.

Samsung and Apple share a joint 90% of profit in industry of smart terminals. The two giants' patent disputes sounded the alarm bell to Chinese companies. Latest statistics show that the seven most prolific smart manufacturers globally are Samsung, Apple, Lenovo, Coolpad, LG, Huawei and ZTE. Domestic mobile phone brands including Coolpad, Lenovo, Huawei and ZTE share 20% of global Smartphone market and sales in 2012 grew 108%.

According to Professor Li Shunde from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Samsung and Apple have set a good example for using patent as a weapon in market competition, Chinese smart phone manufactures should summarize their shortcomings in patent portfolio, increasing patent license and focus on technology and product innovation, improve all-round service.

(China IP News)