“Apple Inc.’s patent complaint that seeks to block imports of Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy S mobile phone and Galaxy Tab computer will be reviewed by the U.S. International Trade Commission,” Susan Decker reports for Bloomberg.

“The ITC, a quasi-judicial agency in Washington that arbitrates trade disputes, said in a notice today it instituted the investigation,” Decker reports. “The commission, which typically takes 15 to 18 months to complete the review, has the power to block imports of products that infringe U.S. patents.”

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Decker reports, “Apple, which has accused competitors of ‘widespread imitation,’ has taken particular aim at Samsung, which had been a supplier of chips for some Apple devices. Apple contends that the Galaxy phone and tablet ‘slavishly’ copy the iPhone and iPad.”

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