Apple could face a possible ban on importing an iPhone after the patent infringement decision

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Apple is facing a possible ban on imports of some of its iPhones, said Tuesday a judge of the International Trade Commission, because of the judge's decision that Apple infringes some Qualcomm patents.

The decision of Judge MaryJoan McNamara is the latest in a series of negative decisions against Apple in a sprawling international legal battle between the two giants of technology. Qualcomm, headquartered in San Diego, manufactures chips and other components in the iPhone and other smartphones, and Apple has stopped paying license fees to Qualcomm by l 39; intermediary of its subcontractors, claiming that Qualcomm was charging royalties for a technology that it had not actually invented.

"We appreciate that Judge McNamara acknowledges the violation of our material patent by Apple and that she is recommending an import ban and a prohibition order to import," said Vice-Advisor. President and General Counsel Qualcomm, Don Rosenberg.

McNamara will officially pronounce on the case in the next two weeks. Then it will be submitted to the review of the entire ITC expert group in July. After that, there is a 60-day presidential review period. Any ban on imports would probably take place in the fall.

The ITC ruled Tuesday on another Qualcomm patent, this time yielding to Apple and invalidating the Qualcomm patent.

Apple sued Qualcomm in January 2017 in federal court. Qualcomm, in turn, has faced lawsuits in Germany, China and the United States and has won some legal wins against the iPhone maker.

Apple's first lawsuit is expected to take place next month in San Diego federal court.