NEW YORK (AP) - A federal administrative panel has issued an import ban on some Samsung devices on grounds they violate Apple's patents.
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued its ruling late Friday.
Samsung and Apple are in a global legal battle over smartphones. Apple argues Samsung's Android phones copy vital iPhone features. Samsung is fighting back with its own complaints.
The legal disputes come as competition in the marketplace intensifies. Although these cases typically involve older products that are no longer widely sold, a victory could affect what features are included in future devices and could slow down a rival's momentum.
The ITC ruled in June against Apple in banning some imports. But last weekend, the Obama administrative invalidated that order. The patents at issue in Friday's ruling are unaffected by Obama's decision.