(Telecompaper) The US government has overturned a sales ban on Apple iPhones passed by the International Trade Commission for infringement of Samsung patents. The import ban on certain older iPhone models was set to come into effect the week of 05 August, based on an ITC ruling in June. The government had 60 days from the ruling to uphold or veto the decision. Michael Froman, the US trade representative who announced the import ban would not take effect, said the decision was in line with the government's recent policy statement on ensuring standards-essential patents are not used to distort market competition. He said the decision was taken in part due to the "effect on competitive conditions in the US economy and the effect on US consumers" an import ban would cause. He noted that patentholders may still pursue protection of their rights in the courts.