Justice Dept. Ends Samsung Standard Patent Inquiry
Feb 7, 2014, 12:51 PM by Eric M. Zeman
The U.S Department of Justice today halted an investigation into Samsung's use of standard essential patents in litigation. The Justice Department was looking to ascertain if Samsung was abusing its standard essential patents, which must be licensed at fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory rates. The Justice Department had opened the investigation after Samsung sued Apple via the U.S. International Trade Commission. The ITC initially ordered a ban of select Apple products in the U.S., but the ban was overturned by the Obama Administration in September. Since the ban was overturned, the Justice Department's invesgiation became moot. The Justice Department will, however, continue to monitor Samsung's patent litigation in the U.S.