Apple’s appeal in iPhone case accepted by IP court

While the court order and appeal took place a month ago, the big news was leaked over the weekend, and Apple is now the center of attention.

For now, Apple Inc.

The latest ruling against iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is considered to be an indication of the increasing challenges faced by Western companies in China, as the local manufacturers are developing into stronger competitors. It is not even certain if Shenzhen Baili is now trading.

Shenzhen Baili, a little-known startup, has won a ban against sales of Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as the phones allegedly infringe on Shenzhen Baili’s patent rights, because of similarities to its Baili 100C phone.

The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has accepted an appeal by Apple to review a ruling by the capital’s patent office ordering the company to halt the sales of its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Beijing after finding the design too closely resembles a Chinese phone.

Apple had to shut down its iBooks and iTunes Movies services in China in April because of violations of foreign publishing regulations. China is the biggest market for the iPhones and iPads of the tech giant after the United States, and therefore, it is more reasonable for Apple Inc.to attempt to gain foothold.

Huawei, the world’s third-largest smartphone maker and the leader in the telecommunications-equipment market, sued Samsung in the US last month, claiming the company violated 11 of its mobile patents.

The outlook for Apple in China has been getting a little gloomy recently. To the delight of Chinese iPhone lovers, a stay order has been issued following the appeal. There are a lot more things Apple can do to get out of this mess.

This includes a a visit by chief executive Tim Cook in May, when he announced a US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) investment in car-sharing service, Didi Chuxing Technology. (NASDAQ:AAPL) had paid $60 million to Proview International Holdings Ltd. Due to the concerns of Apple future in China, billionaire Carl Icahn said in April, that he has unloaded his position in the company.

Along with trying to boost its own sales in China, Apple has invested in other opportunities in the country.