Officials in Beijing have ruled against Apple, saying there were patent violations on some iPhone models, Bloomberg reported. The ruling, from Beijing’s Intellectual Property Office, went in favour of Shenzen Baili, a small local rival. Apple said an appeal had already been lodged, allowing the phones to stay on the market in the Chinese capital pending the outcome.
The IP Office said the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus infringe on patent rights held by Shenzhen Baili because of similarities to its 100C phone. While the decision covers only Beijing, future lawsuits against Apple could take the case as a precedent, potentially influencing the outcomes of litigation elsewhere in China.
Baili did not answer calls seeking comment.
