Germany to Ban iPhone Sales After Qualcomm Posts USD1.5 Billion Bond

XU WEI

(Yicai Global) Jan. 4 — Apple may suspend sales of some iPhone models in Germany after Qualcomm posted security of USD1.5 billion to enforce a German court order that will prohibit sales of certain iPhone models, online news portal ifeng.com reported.

A German court ruled on Dec. 20 that Apple had infringed Qualcomm’s patented handset power-saving technology. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant earlier said it would unshelve the subject iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models from its 15 German stores when the ban takes effect.

The judgment went into force the moment San Diego, California-headquartered Qualcomm posted the bonds, which cover potential damages Apple may incur if the judgment is reversed or amended on appeal. The court rejected Apple’s motion for a stay of execution and ordered it to pay compensation in a sum to be fixed later.

Germany will be the third country to bar some iPhone sales after the US and China as Qualcomm and Apple’s patent dispute goes increasingly global.

Editor: Ben Armour