Judge James Gildea denied Nokia's claim that Apple had violated five patents held by the Finnish company.

The judge did not provide an explanation for his ruling and the full six-member commission now has 60 days to review his determination.

The ITC has the authority to bar imports into the United States of products found to be infringing on patents and Nokia was seeking to have Apple products barred.

The two mobile phone titans have been embroiled in a fierce legal battle over patents with Nokia lodging at least two other lawsuits against Apple and the California gadget-maker filing countersuits against the Finnish company.