Chinese court bars Apple from selling multiple iPhone models on mainland

A Chinese court has barred Apple from selling several of its top-selling handsets in the Asian giant.

On Monday, the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court ordered the US manufacturer to stop infringing on two of Qualcomm's patents via the unlicensed importation, sale or offer to sell in China of its iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

The decision followed the tribunal's decision to grant two preliminary injunctions against four of Apple's Chinese subsidiaries.

A spokesman for Qualcomm said that the company "deeply values" its relationships with clients but was left with no alternative due to Apple's refusal compensate it for the use of its intellectual property.

"These Court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm’s vast patent portfolio," he added.

"Additional actions seeking similar relief for Apple’s infringement of other Qualcomm patents are pending in China and other jurisdictions around the world," Qualcomm said in a statement.

As of 1437 GMT, shares of Apple were trading 2.10% lower at $164.96, while those of Qualcomm were adding 3.25% to $57.81.