An intellectual property tribunal in China has ordered Apple Inc. to stop selling the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Beijing because looked too much like the 100C model made by Shenzhen Beili, a small Chinese brand.
Though the Beijing tribunal issued the order in May and Chinese press reported the matter this week, Apple says sales are going ahead while it appeals.
Apple said a Beijing court stayed the administrative order on appeal and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus still were on sale.
The ruling by an intellectual property tribunal is the latest legal stumbling block for Apple in its second-biggest global market following the suspension of its iTunes movie service in April. The US-based technology company also faces rising competition from local brands including Huawei and Xiaomi, which have gained market share.
Apple suspended its iBooks and iTunes Movies services in April, which news reports said was due to an order by Chinese regulators. The company said it hoped to resume service soon.
In May, Apple suffered another setback when a court ruled that a Chinese company is allowed to use the iPhone trademark on bags, wallets and other leather goods. Apple said it would appeal.
