Apple loses design case to Chinese company

A local IP authority ruled that Apple Inc has violated the design patents of a lesser know Chinese device maker, which could force US smartphone maker halt its sales in China.

“The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus infringe on the patent rights of Shenzhen Baili because of similarities to its 100C phone,” ruled the Beijing Intellectual Property Office.

If Apple decides to appeal the ruling, the US firm could be allowed to continue its sales during the process. Though the decision covers only Beijing, it could trigger similar lawsuits against Apple in other parts of China.