The Beijing IP Court has overturned an earlier ruling against Apple, saying that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus do not infringe patents held by local manufacturer Shenzhen Baili, covering exterior smartphone design, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a newspaper supervised by China’s Supreme People’s Court. The court said Baili had no grounds to claim the exterior designs were exclusive, and that it was easy for consumers to detect the differences. Baili has said it will appeal the decision.
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 latest court decision follows the recent visit to China by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Baidu was a jor investor in Baili in 2013, but has since distanced itself from the company.
