Pursuits

Apple’s Loss in Chinese Patent Fight Seen Emboldening Rivals

  • A patent lawsuit defeat comes as Apple grapples with slowdown
  • Chinese smartphone makers getting savvier on patents

Patent Fight: Apple Appeals Beijing Ruling

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Apple Inc.’s loss in a Chinese patent dispute may spell more legal trouble ahead as fast-rising local rivals get bolder in taking on the world’s largest technology company.

The Beijing Intellectual Property Office ruled last week that some Apple devices violate the design patents of little-known Chinese smartphone vendor Shenzhen Baili. While the iPhone maker appealed to keep its best-selling gadgets on the market, it could face a rising tide of lawsuits and a threat to its sales if the ruling creates a precedent, according to Counterpoint Research.