President Barack Obama using a tablet computer. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).
The White House has stepped into a patent war between Apple and Samsung by vetoing a ban on imports of iPads and iPhones in the US.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) in June banned the import or sale of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G distributed by AT&T Inc, saying the devices infringed a patent owned by the South Korean electronics giant.
But US Trade Representative Michael Froman vetoed the ban, saying his decision was in part based on its “effect on competitive conditions in the US economy and the effect on US consumers”.
The decision marks a setback for the South Korean electronics company.
However, Mr. Froman said Samsung could continue to pursue its case through the courts.
It is the first time since 1987 that a US administration has vetoed a product ban ordered by the trade panel.
Samsung said it was “disappointed” at the lifting of the ban.