Smartphone patent wars: Apple did not violate four key Samsung patents, says ITC Judge in preliminary ruling

Apple has scored another victory in its smartphone patent wars against Samsung, with International Trade Commission Judge James Gildea saying that it did not infringe key Samsung patents in a preliminary ruling.

According to Reuters, Samsung had filed the complaint with the ITC, claiming that Apple had infringed on four of its patents, covering 3G communications and integrating functions like web surfing with mobile phone functions.

Samsung is seeking a ban on key Apple products including the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad being imported into the US on the grounds the products allegedly infringe on its patents.

The full commission will decide whether to uphold or overturn the ruling in January.