This weekend saw President Obama get involved in a mobile decision. Quite a while ago, Samsung (News - Alert) sued Apple over four patent infringements. The International Trade Commission (ITC) made a ruling and declared that Apple had indeed infringed on a Samsung patent.

Regardless of that, President Obama took his own stance this weekend. The President vetoed an ITC U.S. sales ban which included Apple’s iPhone (News - Alert) 4, iPhone 3, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G devices. He prevented a U.S. sales ban on these older versions of Apple products.

This was in spite of the fact that the ITC ruled against Apple (News - Alert). President Obama said that his decision was based on a review of various policy considerations discussed and how they relate to the effect on competitive conditions in the US economy and the effect on US consumers.

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All in all, Samsung has accused Apple of infringing on four of its patents. Only the one claim concerning the older products was upheld by the ITC. Samsung is standing its ground and will continue to appeal the ruling on the remaining three patents.

Obviously, Apple is very happy with President Obama’s veto of the ban. In July, Apple requested that the ITC hold off on taking any action because the ban would “sweep away an entire segment of its product offerings.”

This, of course, would result in Apple missing out on opportunities for new customers that still want to purchase the old products. Apple added that the iPhone 4 was the fourth best-selling smartphone in the U.S. last year. I suppose that makes it OK.

In a statement, the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy said, “We express concerns about the negative impact that such a decision would have on the protection of patent rights.” The ministry urged the U.S. that the ITC’s final ruling on Apple’s patent infringement complaint against Samsung should be fair and reasonable.

I have said many times in the past that I do not understand how one month two companies like Samsung and Apple are suing each other over patent infringement, yet the next month Samsung is making parts for Apple devices. I suppose that I will never actually understand this.

If you also have trouble understanding lawsuits and unlike me actually want to understand more, then I do have a suggestion for you. Coming soon, in 21 days you might want to attend the SUITS Conference.

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