An American trade panel said that Apple had infringed on Samsung´s patents on wireless technology.

The commission has now issued a cease and desist order to stop Apple importing products including the AT&T version of the iPhone 4, the 3GS and 3G, the iPad 3G, and the iPad 2 3G.

But while the decision at the US International Trade Commission may result in some older products receiving import bans in the US, it is unlikely there will be any inmediate impact.

Several of the affected products are no longer on sale, and newer iPads and iPhones do not use the technology covered in the patents.

Apple had argued that Samsung had agreed to license the patents for a fair price, and is expected to appeal against the decision.

It is also possible that a rare presidential order could reverse the import ban within 60 days.