The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) expects to complete its investigation into allegations of patent infringement between Apple and Samsung at the end of next week, reports "TechHive" (http://tinyurl.com/mhqtn2h).

The legal brouhaha has been before the ITC since August 2011. Apple, alleging infringment of seven patents, is seeking a ban on the importation and sale of certain Samsung smartphones in the U.S.

Should the ITC confirm its recommendation of a sales ban, it will require approval by the U.S. president within 60 days for it to go into effect, notes "TechHive."

This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.