Patent disputes in the U.S. could change "significantly," with the International Trade Commission (ITC) playing a less important role, following a veto from President Barack Obama's administration in the ongoing Apple-Samsung litigation, notes "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).

The Obama administration vetoed a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to ban the import of certain Apple products to the U.S. on the grounds they infringed a Samsung. The ban was ordered in June by the ITC and was to take effect today. The veto against the ban was announced by Michael Froman, US Trade Representative, on Saturday.

A statement accompanying the presidential ruling made over the weekend declared that the ITC should take "public interest" into account in its decisions, which will guide future judgements from the commission. In a note to clients, Wells Fargo analyst Maynard Um said that, while the ITC has, in the past, been a way for companies to secure a relatively quick injunction against competing products, it will likely become less of a venue for companies to gain leverage in patent disputes.

"This weekend's ruling may alter the strategy of some companies and potentially change (or prolong) dispute outcomes if the ITC becomes more constrictive in handing down cease and desist orders," Um wrote in a note to investors provided to "AppleInsider."

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.