Is Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iPhone Illegal?

Springboard for Samsung?

Samsung could pick up some short-term momentum, just as Apple could see a decline, if investors think that Samsung has the ITC watching its back when it comes to older patents. Over the long-term, however, this probably will not have a big impact. I don’t think many Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) fans will go running to Samsung because of the ban.

Conclusion

If the ruling is allowed to stand – and there is a strong chance it will be overturned – Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and AT&T might see a slight decline in sales if more cost-conscious buyers stay away from the stores. There actually could be an bump in iPhone 4S and 5 sales if the iPhone 4 is not available.

Samsung probably will continue to eat away at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s advantage with their current line-up of products until the “next big thing” makes its debut.

I’ll be waiting for that sometime this year, at which point the ITC ruling will have been long forgotten.

Mark Morelli owns shares of Apple and AT&T. The Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple.

The article Is the iPhone Illegal? originally appeared on Fool.com.

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