The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to investigate a multi-touth related patent infringement complaint against Apple filed by Taiwain’s Elan Microelectronics.
Last month the Taiwanese maker of chips and touch-screens asked the U.S. trade agency to ban the import and sale of some Apple products, including the iPad, because of alleged patent infringement. The company claims Apple “knowingly and deliberately” used Elan’s technology, while continuing to introduce infringing products The petition also seeks to ban imports of the iPhone and iPod touch products, Elan said in the complaint.
Elan sued Apple in April 2009 , alleging infringement of two of its touch screen patents, The lawsuit alleges that Apple products — including its MacBook, iPhone and iPod touch — use technology that infringes on two of Elan’s patents.