Apple denied trade complaint versus Motorola

The International Trade Commission in a ruling (PDF) on Friday denied Apple's complaint against Motorola. Administrative Law Judge Theodore Essex didn't explain what the reason for the rejection had been in the case, which had accused Motorola of violating three patents mostly relating to touchscreens. The ruling is an initial one and will require final approval.

Apple can ask for a review of the finding if it likes. The company didn't comment on the initial vedict.

Losing to Motorola is a significant setback for Apple's legal campaign against the Droid designer. It now can't use an ITC finding as a way of speeding up any civil lawsuits. Motorola's own ruling in its counter-complaint with the ITC is expected on April 23 and could exert significant leverage against Apple if successful. Motorola landed a German victory and is likely hoping for a repeat.

Many consider the Motorola dispute one of the first of numerous lawsuits Apple filed in the past two years as part of a proxy war against Android, which the late Steve Jobs thought was inherently stolen technology.

By Electronista Staff