Apple and Motorola: The Power of a Sensor #7

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be revisiting the patent infringement lawsuit between Motorola and Apple where Judge Thomas Pender found that Motorola's patent for a sensor that prevents accidental hang-ups based on proximity was invalid. The ITC has the power to block imports of the iPhone if the body finds that Motorola did in fact have a claim on that feature based on their patent. In early December, the Judge ruled that Motorola's patent was not substantially different from a previous invention that prevented accidental dialing, a decision that cleared Apple of Motorola's infringement claims. Motorola, however, argued that the earlier invention the Judge was referring to concerned physical keys and not touchscreens. The commissions six-member panel will deliberate the initial ruling and come up with a final decision by April 22. This decision can have a huge impact on Apple's sales if it doesn't go in their favor.

http://bgr.com/2013/02/20/apple-motorola-patent-infringement-332171/