As we were expecting, the South Korean government has expressed disappointment over the US government's decision to allow an import ban on a couple of old Samsung smartphones, a ban that went into effect day before yesterday, after the Korean manufacturer failed to obtain a veto from President Barack Obama. The U.S. administration had earlier vetoed a ban on a few Apple products, but Samsung wasn't fortunate enough to get the same treatment.
“It is regrettable that the U.S. government made different decisions related to patent infringement in a situation where Samsung and Apple are globally competing in the mobile telecommunications sector,” the Trade, Industry and Energy Ministry said in a press release. In a separate statement, Samsung said: “It is regretful that the import ban was imposed on some Samsung products from being imported into the U.S., which could put a limit on choice for American consumers and restrict competition.”
Of course, when you consider the fact that the ban is on devices that are almost two years old, consumer choice isn't being limited in any way, but that doesn't mean that Samsung will be happy about the way things are going for them in the U.S.. Samsung still has the option to appeal against the ruling, though that's not likely to change anything.
