New models of 3G mobile phones that use chips from manufacturer Qualcomm have been banned from import to the US as part of a legal row over patents.

Qualcomm says it will call on the US President to overturn the decision.

The International Trade Commission says third-generation processors for phones capable of use on 3G networks operated by US carriers such as Verizon, Sprint and AT&T infringe on a patent from rival Broadcom.

But Qualcomm says it will seek a veto from the White House on the grounds that the ban will harm US consumers and stunt mobile broadband development.

The commission issued an exclusion order preventing the import of future models of 3G handsets that use Qualcomm chipsets and software.

‘By punishing completely innocent cell phone manufacturers and wireless operators that were given no opportunity to contest Broadcom’s infringement claims, the ruling also raises serious issues of due process and fairness,’ said Qualcomm in a statement.

‘In addition, Qualcomm and its partners have invested heavily in providing products for emergency call centres in emergency situations that will be affected by this order.’

Qualcomm says that by declining to ban existing products, the commission recognises the adverse affect the decision could have on consumer choice and access to mobile broadband services.

It is the latest row that has beset the mobile phone technology industry. A US jury last month ordered Qualcomm to pay Broadcom $19.6m (£9.9m) for a separate patent infringement. And Qualcomm was paid $20m (£10.2m) by Nokia to settle its own dispute over patents.