The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling recommending a ban on the importation of OLED displays manufactured by China’s BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. This decision arises from allegations that BOE unlawfully utilized proprietary OLED manufacturing technologies belonging to Samsung Display.
Background of the Dispute
In 2023, Samsung Display filed a complaint against BOE, accusing the Chinese company of misappropriating trade secrets related to OLED technology. The ITC’s preliminary findings support Samsung’s claims, stating that BOE has proven by a preponderance of evidence to have engaged in the misappropriation of these trade secrets.
Implications of the ITC Ruling
The ITC’s preliminary ruling includes two significant recommendations:
1. Limited Exclusion Order: This would prohibit the importation of infringing OLED displays and modules into the United States.
2. Cease and Desist Order: This would prevent the sale and distribution of existing inventory containing the infringing components within the U.S.
While this ruling is preliminary, the ITC rarely overturns such decisions in its final determinations. The final decision is expected in November 2025. If the ban is implemented, it would apply to OLED displays produced using Samsung’s trade secrets and to devices incorporating those displays. However, products already imported before the ban would not be affected.
Potential Impact on Apple
Apple has sourced display components from BOE for several iPhone models, including variants of the iPhone 15 and the upcoming iPhone 17. Although recent reports suggest that BOE’s panels are primarily used for devices intended for the Chinese market, previous models with BOE displays have been sold in the U.S. The ITC’s ban could potentially affect these models, depending on whether the restriction targets standalone display components or finished products containing them, such as smartphones.
Apple has responded to the ruling, stating, Apple is not a party to this case, and the order has no impact on any Apple products. This suggests that Apple does not anticipate immediate disruptions to its product lineup.
Legal and Industry Repercussions
The ITC’s ruling is a direct result of Samsung Display’s 2023 complaint, which accused BOE of stealing core OLED technologies. The ITC sided with Samsung, finding BOE in violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act, which addresses unfair trade practices.
Apple previously cut ties with BOE after the supplier was caught making unauthorized changes to iPhone 14 panel designs. While BOE has since resumed limited supply to Apple, it remains a minor player compared to Samsung Display and LG Display.
Samsung Display’s lawsuit against BOE also includes a federal case in the Eastern District of Texas, where Samsung is seeking damages for lost profits, BOE’s unjust enrichment, and punitive compensation.
This case underscores how trade secret litigation can shape the global tech supply chain. For BOE, the stakes are high. Its push to expand OLED production, especially to serve Apple, now faces a major setback in the world’s largest smartphone market.
Conclusion
The ITC’s preliminary ruling against BOE highlights the complexities of global supply chains and the importance of protecting intellectual property. While Apple asserts that its products will not be affected, the situation remains fluid, and the final decision in November 2025 will be crucial in determining the broader implications for the tech industry.
