The ITC might ban the sale of iPhones with BOE displays in the US

Apple iPhones with BOE displays may face a sales ban in the United States due to patent infringement disputes between Samsung Display and BOE, the Chinese supplier of displays for Apple.

As reported by Korean outlets, a preliminary ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that BOE has infringed on Samsung Display’s trade secrets regarding OLED panels, which could result in an import ban affecting iPhones that use BOE displays. ITC found that BOE and its seven subsidiaries had violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act.

Samsung Display’s lawsuit against BOE was filed in 2023, with the Korean company accusing the Chinese display maker of trade secret infringement for producing OLED panels. Samsung also filed a similar motion with the Eastern District of Texas Court, demanding compensation for its loss of profits and punitive damages.

ITC has just issued a preliminary ruling, and the final verdict will be announced in November this year. Then, the US President will have two months to either veto the ruling or let it take effect. According to Korean media, it’s rare for a preliminary ruling to be overturned in the final stages.

ITC can now issue two orders: a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The first order allows Apple to continue selling iPhones with BOE displays that were imported into the US before the ruling was announced. However, importing infringing iPhones will be banned under the verdict.

A cease and desist order affects Apple’s existing inventory, as well as any further production or sales activities involving infringing iPhones in the US. This could be a big blow to Apple’s earnings.

Samsung Display, LG, and BOE mostly make iPhone displays. The Chinese supplier usually provides displays for non-Pro iPhone models, such as this year’s iPhone 16e.

Meanwhile, according to tipster Jukanlosreve on X, the iPhone 17 Pro models exclusively sold in China might use BOE displays instead of Samsung and LG variants.

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